By Parker McKenzie
The new netball courts at Belgrave Recreation Reserve were officially opened on April 9.
The courts serve as the home ground for the Belgrave Football Netball Club, which fielded a full day of games to celebrate the opening.
Club President Julian Schill thanked a number of individuals for assisting in ensuring the project happened.
“This project has been a long 5-year process, starting back in 2018 when the Honorable Tony Smith secured $500,000 for our netball courts,” he said.
“Shortly after, the Honorable James Merlino committed the remaining $100,000 required to complete the netball court.”
The $500,000 dollars received from the Federal Government for the project was a 2019 election promise, with Liberal candidate for Casey Aaron Violi cutting the ribbon during the ceremony on behalf of Mr Smith.
Mr Schill said shelters and storage were still to be built at the facilities.
“Over the last three to four years, we have worked closely with Paul and his team from the Yarra Ranges Council in order to create what we have here today,” he said.
“It was an incredibly challenging project due to the surroundings and the work needing to be done, but we are extremely grateful as this will bring our club closer and increase the female participation at this reserve.”
Deputy Mayor of Yarra Ranges Council Johanna Skelton was also in attendance.
Belgrave Recreational Reserve is located at 1A Reserve Road, Belgrave.
