Inner-west sports grounds are receiving a welcome boost to grounds and facilities following the allocation of almost $700,000 from the state government.
Henry Turner Reserve and Quarry Park in Footscray and Johnson Reserve in West Footscray are all set to benefit from the latest round of the government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Henry Turner Reserve is the biggest winner with $513,000 granted toward the demolition and rebuild of the reserve’s south pavilion.
The upgrade will place it as the west’s first regional facility capable of hosting premier gridiron, rugby and cricket competitions.
The Western Crusaders Gridiron Club, Footscray Rugby Club and the Footscray Edgewater Cricket Club are among those using the reserve for competitions.
A further $100,000 will go towards upgrading the nearby Quarry Park, to provide downhill mountain bike trails, a skills park and a ‘pump track’ with technical features.
A $75,000 grant for Johnson Reserve will fund floodlighting to comply with football specifications for all codes, via four new 20-metre light towers around the main pitch.
Footscray MP Marsha Thomson said the funding boost will give more locals in Footscray the opportunity to play sport and embrace a more active and healthy lifestyle.
“This boost will go a long way towards helping cater for the growing number of people keen to get involved in sport right here in Footscray,” she said.
