RISING sports stars in Melton will have a new place to hone their skills with the construction of a $2.2 million reserve.
Plans for Arnolds Creek Recreation Reserve were announced last week after Melton Council secured $650,000 of funding under the state government’s community facility funding program.
Construction will begin this year and is expected to finish by September 2014. The reserve will include two ovals for junior and senior cricket and football, nets and lighting.
Melton Centrals Women’s Football Club team manager Sarah Monaghan said the club had put in a tender to make the new reserve its home ground.
“The rooms and facilities are going to be great and a bit more central to Melton,” she said. “It sounds like a great ground. If we get it as our home ground it will help to develop the team identity.”
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said the reserve would provide Melton West with a valuable new community hub.
It is not yet known which sports clubs will utilise the reserve; the council has issued a tender for interested clubs.
Sports Minister Hugh Delahunty said the reserve would create new opportunities for different sports clubs.
“That’s great news for nearby clubs and associations looking to train and play longer and attract even more players, as well as a diverse range of community user groups.”
Schools and community groups will have access to the new facilities for football, cricket and soccer matches.
