The Northern District Softball Association, NDSA, can now benefit from a $300,000 upgrade to the softball practice nets at the Mill Park Recreation Reserve.
City of Whittlesea chief executive officer Craig Lloyd joined Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio as she threw the ceremonial first pitch to officially open the new nets on December 20.
With council’s $120,000 contribution to the project, and $180,000 from the State Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, the result was the installation of three practice lanes – two to be used exclusively by the member clubs and one available for schools and the public.
Two of the lanes are enclosed to ensure that training can continue in wet weather, which was previously not possible, and new lighting means sessions can go into the evening.
Mr Lloyd said the redevelopment would provide the NDSA and its member clubs with confidence to promote the sport and attract new participants.
“The City of Whittlesea is committed to helping residents lead active, healthy lifestyles and providing fit-for-purpose community sporting facilities is a key part of that,” he said.
NDSA president Chaminda Fernando said the redevelopment would support the three member clubs – the Cheetahs, Rebels and Monarchs – with recruitment.
“Before we had no shelter or lighting so kids would turn up and if it was raining, we’d have to cancel,” he said.
“But now we can run batting sessions and fielding sessions because we’ve got a roof and lights and that’s going to make a huge difference.”
