Two more Geelong recreation reserves have been fitted out with new floodlighting systems.
Corio Bay Sports Club’s Evans Reserve in Norlane and North Geelong Football Netball Club’s Osborne Park received the new lighting systems thanks to a $2.5 million injection from the Victorian government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy welcomed the addition of the high-quality LED lighting at both reserves.
“This announcement is welcome news for Corio Bay Sports Club as the addition of high-quality lighting will facilitate training at night in a safe environment,” Mayor Murrihy said.
“Formed in 1876, North Geelong is one of our region’s oldest clubs and has a long and proud history of catering for footballers, both men and, more recently women, throughout the northern suburbs.”
Other reserves to have the lighting system upgraded are St Albans Recreation Reserve in Thomson, St Leonards Lake Reserve, Grinter Reserve in Newcomb, Winter Rserve in Belmont and Burdoo Reserve in Grovedale.
Cr Eddy Kontelj, Brownbill Ward, agreed the new lighting would allow North Geelong to expand the availability of its playing and training facilities, which in turn would lead to increased inclusion and added participation.
“The improved lighting will now extend the hours in which the club can run activities, and this is bound to further promote social cohesion as it offers increased opportunities for people to meet, form relationships and become connected,” he said.
Cr Kylie Grzybek, Windermere Ward, said the new floodlighting would allow Corio Bay Sports Club to extend its playing and training times, giving it the capacity to build higher levels of participation.
“The lighting will cater for the dramatic rise in female participation in the sport, while also assist the club in building its depth throughout the men’s teams,” she said.
