The latest round of upgrades to the Lara Recreation Reserve have been completed, with the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) delivering a brand new pavilion and LED sports lighting to all the site’s netball and tennis courts.
The new pavilion, which will service a number of sporting clubs including the Lara Sporting Club netball teams and the Lara Tennis Club, boasts gender-neutral facilities and a focus on accessibility.
The $2.75 million developments are part of CoGG’s multi-million dollar Lara Recreation Reserve Master Plan, which was finalised in 2019, and were funded by the City ($2.35 million) with assistance from the Victorian government ($400,000).
The Lara Tennis Club building will also be refurbished and used for storage in the future.
Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the improvements would promote participation in tennis and netball in the area.
“There’s no question that the construction of a new, modern, accessible facility will be of enormous benefit to sportsmen and women across the Lara community and throughout the northern suburbs,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“Lara continues to grow at a rapid rate and facilities of this kind will consolidate the sports precinct as an appealing place to participate and socialise after the game.
“The tennis club has certainly outgrown the previous facility, so the new pavilion will provide a very attractive drawcard for the expanding sporting community.”
Outgoing Windermere councillor Kylie Grzybek also welcomed the facilities.
“Sporting clubs are an integral part of our community and their capacity to bring people together for shared, positive experiences is well known,” Cr Grzybek said.
“Supporting Lara’s sporting clubs by providing a new social space, along with modern changerooms and state-of-the-art playing courts is vital.
“In addition, the accessibility features of this new pavilion will go a long way to making it a welcoming place for Lara residents to reconnect over their shared enjoyment of sport.”
Member for Lara Ella George said she was proud of the state government’s involvement in the project.
“This new facility will benefit a growing number of people in the Lara community who want to get involved in their local netball and tennis clubs,” Ms George said.
“These facilities at Lara Recreation Reserve are a great example of how the state government is making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians.”
