Grove’s new tennis pavilion is ace

THE Ocean Grove Tennis Club is now ready to serve at future events with the completion of the its new pavilion.

With 440 club members, the facility is a great boost for local sport especially with the return of tennis after coronavirus restrictions in 2020.

The pavilion features new female-friendly change room facilities that replace outdated amenities, a new commercial kitchen and kiosk, function space capable of hosting 120 people, and a new hit-up wall for kids.

The building includes accessible design features allowing the club to expand on future all-abilities development programs including wheelchair tennis, as well as new 350 lux LED lighting so the club can host night competitions.

The project also includes installation of Book a Court – an online court booking and payment platform that connects with PIN pad technology on the facility gates – to provide easier and greater access to the community.

The Victorian Government contributed a $860,000 grant towards the pavilion and the City of Greater Geelong a further $150,000.

Member for Western Victoria and duty Bellarine MP Gayle Tierney joined Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher and deputy mayor Trent Sullivan at a celebration last week to formally open the  new facilities.

Mrs Tierney congratulated project partners City of Greater Geelong and the Ocean Grove Tennis Club for their commitment and significant investment to deliver the project.

“I acknowledge Bellarine MP Lisa Neville who I know has worked with the club over many years in securing the funds for this wonderful new tennis facility,” she said.

“Ocean Grove Tennis Club is a great club; its members and locals deserve the modern and accessible facilities that this project has delivered.

“I know the tennis community will embrace the new pavilion, welcome more players and take their game to the next level.”

The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.05 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014. This includes $110 million from the recent budget to boost the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program as well as an extra $27 million to make sure sports facilities are more accessible to more people.

To encourage even more participation, sport vouchers of up to $200 are available for eligible children to help cover the costs of sporting equipment, uniforms and memberships. About 10,000 vouchers have gone out through the first round Get Active Kids Voucher Program, with the second round to open on May 31.

To find out more, head to the Get Active website.