Jindivick's Kydd Parke Reserve to get a $480,000 boost

Jindivick's Kydd Parke Reserve to get a $480,000 boost

Jindivick's picturesque Kydd Parke Reserve is set to receive a $480,000 upgrade to improve the oval's playing surface and ensure cricketers can enjoy a full season at the ground.

The upgrade will include the installation of new drainage and irrigation, the establishment of a bore water supply, and the reinstatement of a drought-tolerant grass. The existing retaining wall will also be extended to improve stability and new perimeter fencing installed.

Council's 2020/21 Capital Works Program includes $380,000 for the project, with an additional $100,000 contributed through the Victorian Government's Community Cricket Program.

Kydd Parke is home to the Jindivick Cricket Club, one of the biggest cricket clubs in Baw Baw Shire.

The oval's current poor drainage means the club typically has a wet start to the season, often unable to play at its home ground for the first few matches and needing to find alternate venues to host its six teams.

Once complete, the upgrades will allow the club to play home games early in the season and improve the chances of play in poor weather.

It will allow the club to deliver its routine maintenance schedule, which is frequently hampered during the winter months because of the inability to get machinery on to the oval.

Kydd Parke Reserve's thriving community garden will also benefit from a sustained water supply.

It is expected that works will commence early 2021.

As stated by Chief Executive Officer Mark Dupe

"Sporting Clubs are often the heart of our smaller rural communities. This upgrade will transform Kydd Parke Reserve and be a great boost for Jindivick as well as the 1200-odd cricketers within Baw Baw, who will now be able to play games at this ground for the entire season, rather than just the latter half of it.

"Investing in sport and recreation has been a key priority of Council's 2017-2021 Council Plan - we want to make sure residents in our smaller towns have the same opportunities to access sport and recreation as those in the major towns."