A South Kingsville soccer club is calling on Hobsons Bay council to repair the playing surface at its Edwards Reserve home ground.
The Melbourne City Football Club has launched an online petition calling for council to replace the reserve’s irrigation and drainage system, which it says is outdated.
More than 220 people have signed the petition – which launched last week – so far.
In the petition, the club said the reserve’s oval has been facing “significant degradation” and had experienced poor turf conditions and loss of grass coverage. It also stated that the ground is frequently closed, impacting the club’s ability to play consistently in winter.
“The deteriorating conditions of the Edwards Reserve oval pose a threat not just to the quality of our sports practice but also to the safety of all participants. Slippery surfaces and uneven playing fields increase the risk of injuries, causing concerns for many parents and sports teams,” the petition stated.
“According to a survey of our members, over 70 per cent of members have reported ground conditions as the biggest issue facing the club in retaining players.
“This has resulted in a decline in participation rates, with negative implications for the physical health and social well-being of our community. It’s crucial that we address these issues promptly to restore the Edwards Reserve oval to its former glory and ensure it meets the standards required for safe and enjoyable community sports.”
Replacing the irrigation and drainage system would ensure effective water distribution and drainage, thereby improving turf resilience and playability”, the club stated.
“It is essential that work begins as soon as possible, with a target completion before the 2026 community sports season to provide adequate time for the oval to recover and thrive.”
A spokesperson for Hobsons Bay council said officers had recently met with the club to discuss priorities for Edwards Reserve and that the petition would be considered if it met eligibility criteria.
Details: https://tinyurl.com/ysys63s2
