Bases loaded at Lara’s upgraded baseball field, pavilion

THE Lara community is now swinging for the fences after the official opening of a revamped pavilion and baseball field at Lara Recreation Reserve.

The opening is part of Stage Two of the Lara Recreation Reserve Precinct Masterplan, which was adopted in 2019 and will support baseball, cricket and football in Lara.

Known as the Lara Multisport Pavilion, the 600sqm building features a social space, kitchen with serveries for multiple sports, four changerooms including female-friendly facilities, two umpires’ changerooms, timekeepers’ room, first aid room, sport viewing areas and storage.

The baseball field was also reconstructed, with a synthetic turf infield, natural turf outfield, new scorers and playing shelters, new irrigation and drainage systems and baseball fencing.

The project was funded with $4.545 million from the city, and the pavilion received $1 million in funding from the Victorian government as part of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR)’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund – Female Friendly Facilities.

Design of future masterplan items was also included in the project, with provision for car parking facilities and baseball field lighting in the future.

Lara MP Ella George and deputy mayor Anthony Aitken officially opened the upgraded facility on Saturday.

Cr Aitken said the new facilities will support the diverse needs of the Lara community for years to come. “These comprehensive and all-ability facilities will take sport and recreation in Lara to the next level, especially in women’s sport,” he said.

“The unique design of the pavilion to support baseball, football and cricket under the one roof at the same time will be an important part of this diverse and growing community.”

Ms George said sporting facilities in Lara continued to improve.

“The Lara Recreation Reserve continues to get better and better, ensuring that Lara is getting the very best facilities for the growing community,” she said.

“The new sporting pavilion catering to baseball, football, cricket as well as an extensive reconstruction of the baseball field will help grow participation and ensure both players and spectators have a state-of-the-art complex to enjoy for years to come.

“The Allan Labor Government is getting behind local sporting clubs in Lara and investing in sporting facilities that the whole community can
be proud of.”