Netballers and cricketers in the Dandenong Ranges can now enjoy new and improved facilities at the Olinda Recreation Reserve, with works to upgrade the site's sporting facilities now complete.
The Olinda Recreation Reserve is a hub of activity for the local community year-round. In the summer, locals look forward to long games of cricket among the tall trees that surround the oval, and the netball and footy bring a great atmosphere to the town in the chilly, shorter days of winter.
As part of the Olinda Stage 1 project, an additional competition-standard netball court and a four-wicket cricket training facility have been delivered, complete with lighting, shelter and behind-goal netting on the oval.
Pictured above: The new netball court is competition-standard with LED lighting and shelter.
Pictured above: The new cricket training facilities include four practice wickets.
Home to the Olinda Ferny Creek Football Netball Club, Sassafras Ferny Creek Netball Club and Olinda Cricket Club, the new developments are a boon for local sport, providing a competition ready venue to help cater for growing demand.
The upgrades mark the final component the Olinda Stage 1 project, which is delivering on initiatives identified in the Olinda Precinct Plan, developed in consultation with the community in 2017.
Earlier works also saw the completion of the all-abilities Olinda Playspace in 2019 and the Olinda Green sporting oval in 2020, along with new barbecues, picnic facilities, shelters, seating and a new toilet block. A dedicated dog-off lead area and a series of walking trails were also created in what was previously the site of the old Olinda Golf Course.
Pictured above: The Olinda Playspace is nestled among beautiful bushland and features shelter, pathways and play structures that are accessible for people of all-abilities.
The Victorian Government invested $7.67 million to deliver the stage one works at the Olinda Precinct.
Planning is in progress for stage 2 of the Olinda Precinct Project, thanks to a further $3.4 million from the Victorian Government. These works will see improvements to the car park, drainage, pathways and access.
Nearby at the neighbouring Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, locals and visitors can also explore the stunning Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda, another recently completed development within the Olinda Precinct that is providing more opportunities for Victorians to get into nature.
