Masons Lane Reserve, Maddingley Park get funds boost

Upgrades to Masons Lane Reserve will be expanded thanks to an extra $100,000 from the state government. A new fitness circuit will also be added at Maddingley Park.

Works at Masons Lane will include a new irrigation system, and changeroom and car park upgrades.

Cr John Spain said the upgrades at the reserve would improve its capacity. “It means we could start playing at higher levels. We’ve got all these soccer and cricket teams and there’s more and more demand so we need to provide.”

Moorabool council has contributed $177,000 to the project.

Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics coach Trevor Denton said the upgrades were sorely needed.“We’ll have the best part of 400
people rock up some Saturdays, and there’s only one toilet, so I think it’s very much needed.”

Western Victorian Nationals MP David O’Brien said improved infrastructure would encourage more community involvement.

“Masons Lane is important to Bacchus Marsh for a variety of sports, including the soccer club which has over 250 active participants as well as another 50 in their junior development program.”

Bacchus Marsh Cricket Club president Darran Fowlie said the new circuit at Maddingley Park would be a great addition to the club’s training. ‘‘We already use the park for training and running and this would be a perfect addition to that.’’

Maddingley Park’s committee of management is looking at different models for the $46,000 fitness circuit. “We’re after one which everyone can use,” spokeswoman Marg Scarff said. “We have a lot of structured sporting activities, but there’s nothing that’s casual for people to do at their leisure.”