By Paul Pickering
THE Silvan Recreational Reserve is set for a new year makeover, with resurfacing, drainage and irrigations works beginning at the end of January.
The $342,000 project was announced by the Shire of Yarra Ranges in December last year.
Councillor Graham Warren, a familiar face at the reserve, said that the football and cricket clubs had been putting up with difficult conditions, and that the upgrade would allow them to continue to enjoy their sport.
“We’re using summer grasses such as couch to improve the durability of the grounds and ensure they are more drought tolerant into the future.”
Renovations will force the football club to seek an alternate venue for this year’s fixture. Silvan’s on-site water supply will prove invaluable in irrigating the new surface, allowing works to proceed despite Stage 3 water restrictions.
A drainage upgrade was also scheduled for Belgrave Reserve, however, the lack of an independent water supply has forced the postponement of these works until water restrictions are lifted.
The council’s plans to have the works completed before the onset of Stage 3 restrictions were thwarted by the State Government’s decision to escalate restrictions as of January 1.
