THE City of Casey has opened its first synthetic-surfaced football and cricket ground.
The synthetic playing surface, at Carlisle Park Recreation Reserve in Cranbourne, was officially opened for play on Thursday 25 August.
The $4.2 million project included the construction of a floodlit synthetic football and cricket oval, two netball courts, cricket practice nets, a sports pavilion and car parking.
The State Government contributed $650,000 towards the dual purpose facility and Sport Minister John Eren was joined by council officials and players at the opening.
Casey Council provided the bulk of funds with $3.52 million and AFL Victoria contributed $50,000 and a further $50,000 through the joint AFL/Cricket Australia Synthetic Turf Program.
The new facilities include two female-friendly AFL and cricket change rooms, which can also be used as a multi-purpose space, and two dedicated netball change rooms.
The pavilion includes a kitchen, store areas, a scorer’s box, office space, player, umpire, referee and public amenities and covered viewing areas.
The reserve will be home to the Carlisle Park Vikings Cricket Club, youth girl’s football squads, South East Juniors (SEJ) Umpires Association and a number of SEJ representative team squads.
The Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School is also set to make regular use of the facility.
Mr Eren said Carlisle Park becomes the second full-sized synthetic oval in Victoria.
“This is a really exciting development for local clubs, players and families.”
“The local area is booming, and that means more players than ever before are signing up for grassroots sports. A synthetic surface will help the ground cope with additional traffic.”
Carlisle Park Recreation Reserve is on Majestic Boulevard, Cranbourne.
