Yarra Ranges Council is seeking feedback from the community into how the under-utilised space at Belgrave Tennis Club can be re-purposed for greater community use.
The Belgrave tennis courts are located next to the Belgrave Pool in Borthwick Park, Belgrave.
Due to a declining rate of usage of the upper two tennis courts at the club, there is an opportunity for other activities to be added to the site.
In response to previous community requests and data from past engagements, Council is asking for feedback on three proposed options:
• A basketball area with skatable elements
• A multiuse ball sport area (tennis, netball, basketball, futsal)
• A basketball area & rideable acrylic marked circuit
Each of these options would replace the upper two tennis courts, while a third unused court will be turned into a green space with a walking path that will link to the ngurrak barring/RidgeWalk trail.
Community members will also be able to suggest additions or changes to their preferred design option.
Council has been working with Belgrave Tennis Club throughout the process, making sure the needs of the club are being catered for and that the two courts alongside the pavilion are being retained for structured tennis use.
The remaining tennis courts will continue to be hired out by the Belgrave Tennis Club for competition, social and one-off court hire.
Lyster Ward Councillor, Johanna Skelton, said that there had been a desire from the community to have open access to recreational areas rather than organise and book facilities in advance.
“We’ve heard through previous community consultations on other projects that the community would like to see existing Council facilities used more fully.
“I have heard from primary school kids, and from people who want to shoot some hoops with mates after work, that there isn’t anywhere close by they can do this.
“We’ve also seen great interest in the creation of more areas for netball, as well as more rideable and skateable play areas.
“The site isn’t huge, but it can make a great impact if we know what’s needed.
“One of the key priority areas in our Health and Wellbeing Plan is to increase active living, so any time we can create more opportunities for people to get active, through projects like this, is a great thing.
“I encourage everyone to either hop online and let us know what their preferred option for the space is, or to speak with us in-person at one of our upcoming pop-up sessions,” she said.
In-person consultation sessions will be scheduled shortly in the local area, including nearby schools.
Community members can provide their feedback on their preferences for the space up until 1 October.
For more information on the project and to view the different options, visit shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/belgrave-tennis-and-community-space
