Healesville’s cricket and junior football players now have more social space and shelter for spectators on game days.
Following extension works organised by the Federal Government and Yarra Ranges Council, the Queens Park sporting pavilion has been extended by six metres and has had its canteen relocated.
There has also been additional shelter constructed in recent months.
Toby Millman, football club president said the works had provided a much-needed covered area for spectators.
“It will be great for cricket but also football too, it’s just better,” he said.
“They have extended the verandah, and even during footy, there was a really limited undercover area, and this has created this whole area where we can stand and it’s created more space inside the clubroom too.”
Steve Ebbels, cricket club vice-president also commented on the vast improvements of the canteen area.
“The canteen size itself is three times what it was,” he said.
“You can see the ladies in there now; they have more space, not as crammed in and it’s a bit more hospitable.”
The extension follows a funding commitment of $75,000 from the Federal Government along with $25,000 from Yarra Ranges Council.
Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister said the upgrade would support Healesville’s sporting clubs and help to bring people to game days.
“For sporting clubs, their pavilion is a home away from home,” Cr McAllister said.
“Having these improvements at Queens Park will provide room for more spectators to enjoy football and cricket games and will give the players a nicer space to train out of.
“This, in turn, will hopefully lead to more Healesville residents and children getting involved with their local sporting teams.”
Federal Member for Casey, Tony Smith MP said the extension delivered on a 2013 Federal election commitment and would benefit many families and young people.
“It’s great to see this long-running project completed. The improved facilities will help local families and the young cricketers and footballers using Queens Park each and every week,” Mr Smith said.
