Ideas sought for sports ground future

NORTH Geelong residents have their chance to shape the future of Bell Post Hill’s Myers Reserve, with consultation now open for the facility’s masterplan.

The City of Greater Geelong (COGG) is inviting submissions from community members about its current use and ideas for improvements to inform its masterplan, which it will use to lobby for state and federal government funding for important upgrades.

COGG last updated its strategic vision for the site in 2005 and said it has since become close to capacity and needed long-term planning to ensure it met current and future needs of the northern Geelong community.

The reserve is home to Bell Post Hill’s football-netball and cricket clubs, and also hosts lawn bowls, soccer and other community events.

It also provides public open space for local residents and the nearby P-12 school, Covenant College.

COGG said it would consider current and future population demands and suitability of current facilities, including for female sport, in drafting its new plan.

“We want to refresh the 2005 Myers Reserve Landscape Master Plan and provide a contemporary vision for the Reserve for the next 10 years,” deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said.

“Your feedback will help us make sure Myers Reserve remains a welcoming place that meets the needs of the local community.

“The masterplan will aim to protect and celebrate the reserve’s cultural, recreational and heritage values, while improving and protecting it for future generations.

“The reserve is a vital public meeting place, treasured by so many. We are keen to hear what the community thinks about how it is used.”

Feedback is open on the COGG website until March 13: https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/MRMP.