Wednesday, 17 August 2022

Members statements

Glen Park

Mr HODGETT (Croydon) (09:34): I rise today to speak about the need for an upgrade of the sports field and the ground lighting at the Glen Park oval in Bayswater North. This oval is the second playing ground for the East Ringwood Junior Football Club, a family club that strives to develop young players, both individually and in a team environment. The club aims to instil the core values of respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, persistence, enthusiasm and spirit. The current condition of the Glen Park oval needs an upgrade as it is used as a training and playing oval for the junior football club and has seen better days. Maroondah City Council would like the opportunity to reconstruct the field and to upgrade the lighting. Presently the lighting at the oval does not meet the current Australian standards, which are set to ensure the ball is always adequately illuminated while in play, providing safer conditions for the players and better viewing conditions for spectators.

Glen Park reserve is a wonderful asset in Bayswater North with plenty on offer, and further investment in the sports field and lighting upgrade will continue to enhance the area. Glen Park has a community centre with a cafe open Monday to Friday, publicly accessible toilets, plenty of car parking, walking paths, a sportsground oval, barbecues, playgrounds, shared pathways, a men’s shed and a fabulous community garden. The Glen Park community play space offers enjoyment for the entire family and a wide range of innovative play equipment designed to cater for all ages and physical abilities. The park also has free tennis and basketball courts and is connected to the Dandenong Creek Trail, where people enjoy walking and cycling. The South Croydon Cricket Club also use the Glen Park oval and would benefit from an upgrade to the field. I am a huge supporter of local sport and will continue to advocate for upgrades and investment in our local sporting and community facilities.