By Nicole Precel
LAVERTON Park’s sportsgrounds that have fallen into disrepair could get a fresh breath of life thanks to a Hobsons Bay City Council overhaul.
Only two of the ovals used for tennis, soccer, cricket and football at Laverton Park have been useable due to disrepair and drought, according Laverton Park Soccer Club spokesman Jason Curatolo.
The Laverton Park Future Directions Plan (LPFDP), submitted to the council last week, aimed for eight sportsgrounds and new tennis courts and amenities and the proposal would soon be open for community consultation.
The plan includes developing a wetland and water storage facility to provide an alternative water source for irrigation of the sports fields.
Mr Curatolo said it was a fantastic initiative.
“The park itself has been a bit neglected of late, and starting to look a bit tired, so the fact they’ve got that under way is great,” he said.
He said in his club alone there were about 170 people who used the soccer grounds.
“I’ve been there for close to 11 years. I think the club has been there for 13, it’s been about three years in the making since council has said we needed to do something about this here,” he said.
Mr Curatolo said there were currently only two sporting grounds being used at Laverton Park because the rest were in disrepair.
“If they can go ahead with this project and store some stormwater, it’s going to be good for everybody,” he said.
“It brings the kids out of the lounge room.”
The final draft of the plan will be open for public exhibition for six weeks.
The plan was prepared in consultation with the Laverton Bowling Club, Laverton Park Soccer Club, Laverton Park Tennis Club, Laverton Cricket Club and Laverton Magpies Football Club.
