Oval surface to get new life

WORKS are planned at Tom Flood Reserve with the aim of increasing usage of the space.

The main groups at the site, which includes a velodrome and athletics track are the Bendigo and District Cycling Club and the Bendigo Harriers Athletics Club.

However, City of Greater Bendigo manager of active and healthy communities Amy Johnston said a surface upgrade would allow for a bigger range of sport to take place.

“With increased drainage to the surface we hope we’ll be able to have more winter activity in particular at Tom Flood,” she said.

“That could include junior AFL, soccer, rugby, gridiron, even special events including festivals and live music events.

“We think we can activate it even more than it has been already. It’s about all year-round use and making sure we support events when we can.”

The $1.1 million upgrade includes the demolition of the old oval surface, installation of a new sand slit drainage system, and replanting of the oval with “drought-tolerable” Santa Ana grass.

Ms Johnston said it’s hoped the resurfacing will allow for Tom Flood to “take the pressure off the Queen Elizabeth Oval” by hosting more activities.

The project is part of the Rosalind Park precinct master plan, which also recommends upgrading the fencing along Barnard Street and removing it at the Park Road intersection to allow for a “pocket park”.

The master plan also outlines a proposal of a reserve lawn to the south of the velodrome, which would include the relocation of the bus interchange and loss of the car parking in area to make space for an open park.

The resurfacing starts this month and is expected to be completed in mid-November, during which time the velodrome will be closed.