Casey Fields basks in glory

By Bridget Cook
FOR the second time the City of Casey has taken out a prestigious award recognising its innovative work on projects for the community.
The Casey Council recently won a prestigious award for the Casey Fields Development Project at the Australian Property Institute Excellence in Property Awards in the Local Government category.
In 2009, the council also received another award from the Australian Property Institute for its work with Casey RACE.
As well as being judged on the provision of infrastructure, the award also reflects the contribution of the project to the local community.
The Casey Fields Development Project consists of one of the largest playgrounds in Victoria and a regional athletics centre with world-class features, along with associated works including shade sails and road works.
The regional athletics centre includes an international standard track, night competition lighting, multi-purpose community pavilion and undercover spectator seating for 1000 people.
City of Casey Mayor Shar Balmes said it was an outstanding achievement and was testament to the work being planned for and delivered by the council at Casey Fields in Cranbourne East.
“Since opening in December 2010, the playground has been a popular addition to the sporting and leisure activities on offer at Casey Fields,” she said.
“The playground attracts visitors from across Casey and comprises a variety of different play experiences for all ages including a large play hill with a winding pathway through trees and native grasslands, a large slide, multi-purpose swing and a village green.”
City of Casey director planning and development services Peter Fitchett, who received the award on behalf of the City of Casey, said the Local Government Property Award was presented to a local government organisation that has delivered, or influenced the delivery of, a completed project that contributes to the local community.
“It is fantastic that the City of Casey was judged the winner of this prestigious award. However, the true winners are the residents of Casey who get to enjoy these world-class facilities in their own backyard,” he said.
“With more than 450,000 residents expected to call Casey home by 2036, timely infrastructure provision is crucial to ensuring new residents have services and a sense of community when they move in.