New pitch and turf for Highton reserve

HIGHTON and Wandana Heights residents will have access to a new and improved Tim Hill Reserve by mid-year.

The City of Greater Geelong (COGG) has started a $300,000 upgrade of the venue to improve the ground and provide better playing facilities.

The council has installed fences around the ground to start construction, which it expects to finish in mid-May.

Works planned for the reserve include:

• a major playing surface upgrade and installation of a field-wide irrigation system;
• replacement and reorientation of the synthetic cricket pitch;
• relocation of the AFL goal posts;
• realignment of the field of play to maximise the field size, and
• new fence along the eastern boundary.

The reserve is home to Alexander Thomson Cricket Club, whose senior side played in the Geelong Cricket Association’s second division this season.

The field is also used as an off-lead dog area by Highton and Wandana Heights residents, while the reserve also has a tennis club and playground.

The council’s deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the upgrade would boost tenant clubs and community users.

“This work will result in a well-constructed, well graded, well maintained and healthy field of turf,” Cr Sullivan said.

“The precinct provided will be suitable and safe for competitive sport as well as general use.

“The expanding number of junior cricket teams at Alexander Thomson Cricket Club will ensure this vital facility will be well-utilised.”

COGG sport portfolio chair Ron Nelson also backed the project.

“Council was delighted to support this project because we strongly believe sport benefits mental and physical health, and strengthens social ties and resilience,” Cr Nelson said.

“We aim to help the continued growth of sports such as cricket by making sure anyone in our region who wants to play has access to high-quality playing surfaces.”