LONG-AWAITED lighting upgrades are coming to Seymour’s Chittick Park after the State Government committed to fund part of the project as part of its Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
The ground, which has been in the funding pipeline for some time now, will get a full replacement of its existing lighting thanks to a $400,000 upgrade.
Four new 28-metre poles with 100 lux LED sports lighting will be installed, which will bring Chittick Park up to current AFL facility standards and create a safer, more inclusive environment for evening sport and community activities.
The council’s application also noted that improved lighting could also support increased participation, including for women, girls, multicultural communities and other diverse groups.
Council committed to providing $150,000 to the project back in July and were successful in applying for government funding to cover the remaining $250,000.
Back when that announcement of council funding was made, Mitchell Shire Councillor Andrea Pace said the upgrades are desperately needed for the community.
“Some of the equipment is not up to standard, can’t be used,” she said.
“This will, if successful, help open up that precinct totally and take some of the pressure off Kings Park.”
While the lighting upgrade funding was secured, the MSC’s other asking points including half a million dollars for a multipurpose court and cricket nets are still awaiting future commitment from the government.
The State Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said her government is encouraging more people to get active through this program.
“Local clubs bring communities together – these grants will help improve their facilities for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
The lighting upgrade gets Chittick Park one step closer to the finished product detailed in the 2024 Master Plan for the site.
It comes in the same week that the Chittick Park Dog Friendly Space opened to the public, with a fully fenced main area and plenty of space for fetch, play and training.
