By Molly Magennis
The Skinner reserve redevelopment project is nearing completion, with the first rolls of turf laid on the upgraded oval last week.
The $3 million upgrade will see more than 19,500 square metres of Couch Grass laid at the Braybrook reserve, allowing for more sporting competition and training as well as ongoing general community use.
The Western Bulldogs Football Club are new tenants at the Reserve, and are funding half the costs of the redevelopment works to support their training and activities as well as broad community use.
Four new lighting towers with energy efficient LED light fittings will be erected around the perimeter for use at night to ensure safety and accessibility.
A new 506 metre two-lane running track is also being built around the perimeter which can be used all year round thanks to its synthetic turf.
Additional upgrades include new coaches’ boxes, boundary fencing, AFL goal posts, goal safety netting, spectator seating and an electronic scoreboard.
Maribyrnong Mayor Anthony Tran said it had been a pleasure to witness the Oval transform over the last few months and was grateful to be part of the rolling out of the new turf.
“Open space is such a valued asset of our community, as is community sport, and this upgrade, including the addition of high-class turf, will ensure the needs of the local community and our growing population can be met now and into the future.”
Chief executive officer of the Western Bulldogs Football Club Ameet Bains said the laying of the new tough is a “tangible sign that we will soon be able to take advantage of these excellent new facilities.”
“We’re excited to have access to a high-quality training oval for our men’s and women’s teams, which is close to VU Whitten Oval and has historical significance to our people.”
The redevelopment works are nearing completion with the Oval due to be returned to the community sometime in May.
