The City of Casey officially opened Kowan Recreation Reserve in Cranbourne North on Tuesday 14 May.
Located on Mountainview Boulevard near Tulliallan Estate, the project was part of the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, where Casey received $3.3 million for the project.
Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said that they are committed to providing the required infrastructure for all clubs across the municipality, saying that “local sport is such a vital part of our community and something Council is very proud to support”.
The previously undeveloped green field has been transformed into a sporting precinct, which includes three soccer fields, a cricket oval, cricket practice nets, a playground, shared paths, car parking and a public art piece called Space Knot by Benjamin Storch.
“The construction of the new reserve and surrounding facilities will increase participation in soccer and cricket, and allow maximum use of this reserve,” MsDuff said.
Ms Duff and ceo Glenn Patterson were joined by members of the Cranbourne Uniter Soccer Club, the Eastern Rebel’s Cricket Club and representatives from the Tulliallan Resident Group and Tulliallan Primary School to open the reserve.
Member of the Tulliallan Resident Group, Rebecca Hyland said they advocated for the land in a positive way with all different stakeholders.
“We needed this green space as it’s essential for the wellbeing of everybody.
“This is just wonderful, it’s packed all the time [and] even when it’s raining there are kids playing soccer because they love it so much,” she said.
The new reserve also features a multi-use pavilion, which includes six change rooms, a large community space, a kitchen and other public amenities.
Cranbourne United Soccer Club secretary Navpreet Saini said the club is committed to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
“Every evening, the kids come to the ground to train and have fun, the parents are also actively involved in club activities and enjoy having a place to meet and socialise,” he said.
Thanking the state government for the funding, Ms Duff added that they “look forward to continuing to grow our partnerships to build sport and recreational facilities, as well as other critical infrastructure”.
“The growing Cranbourne North community now has even better access not only to local sport but also for a range of other community activities and celebrations that will no doubt occur in this space,” she said.
Council contributed $1.1 million towards the $10.7 million project, with $6.3 million received through developer contributions.
