Two Geelong sporting grounds are the latest in the region to have new floodlights installed.
New high-quality sports lighting at Belmont’s Winter Reserve and Grovedale’s Burdoo Reserve have now been installed at eight City of Greater Geelong sporting grounds.
They have benefitted from a $2.5 million share of the Victorian government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
The lighting at Winter Reserve was officially ‘switched on’ by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, Kardinia Ward councillor Ron Nelson and Belmont Lions president Mark Edwards while the the Burdoo Reserve lights were opened by Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman, Kardinia Ward councillor Belinda Moloney and Grovedale Tigers co-president Simon Hose.
Along with Winter Reserve, St Albans Recreation Reserve in Thomson, Osborne Park in North Geelong, Grinter Reserve in Newcomb, Evans Reserve in Norlane and St Leonards Lake Reserve in St Leonards, the two clubs have gained from the sports lighting initiative.
Cr Nelson said the Winter Reserve lighting upgrade would aid Geelong and District Football Netball League club Belmont Lions in attracting and keeping players.
“The updated lighting will be particularly appealing to the young boys and girls from Wangala Primary School across the road as the club seeks to build its junior program,” Cr Nelson said.
“The developments at Winter Reserve will really open up opportunities to extend training and playing time, while being a source of attraction to prospective new players.”
Cr Moloney said the new lighting at Burdoo Reserve was a boost to Grovedale as it serves the Grovedale/Armstrong Creek growth corridor.
“Grovedale has 600 players taking to the field or court each week and this project provides support to all participants in their quest to remain active,” Cr Moloney said.
“The Tigers have had a thriving female football program since 2018 and additions of this nature will certainly increase opportunities for playing and training.
The project also supports the club with the ability to have Friday night Auskick and be flexible with scheduling to support its growing number of teams.”
