Work on new Kenny Park netball court underway
Published on 24 January 2018
For the first time, Merbein netballers will soon be able to play under lights at their home venue.
Work on a second netball court at Kenny Park - adjacent to the existing one - started this week, promising a new modern facility with competition-standard lighting.
Councillor for Sport and Recreation Glenn Milne said Council had worked closely with the Merbein Football Netball Club to develop the project, which will provide a raft of benefits.
“This new court and lighting will mean that instead of needing to train at other venues after hours through the winter months due the lack of courts and lighting, Merbein’s netballers will now be able to train at their own venue,” Cr Milne said.
“Of course, it will also mean games can now be played at night at Kenny Park, which is fantastic not only for players, who can now host teams at their own venue, but for the Merbein community.”
The $341,297 project is funded through a joint effort between Mildura Rural City Council, which will inject $126,297 into the facility, Merbein Football Netball Club, Sunraysia Football Netball League and the Victorian Government.
Works will include the new court which will be constructed over the grass area and road next to the existing court, competition-standard lighting and a new stormwater system. The existing BBQ shelter will also be relocated to make way for the new court.
Merbein Football Netball Club president Toney Hurley welcomed the new facility, which he said would provide a significant boost for the club.
“Aside from the convenience of our players being able to train at their own venue instead of travelling to Mildura to train at Mansell Reserve, this second court will mean we’ll now be able to host more games at Kenny Park, including on designated SFNL Family Days,” Mr Hurley said.
“This means that more relatives and supporters can come and watch their team play at Kenny Park, which is great for the club financially, but will also be great from a club culture perspective.”
Sunraysia Football Netball League President Ros Milverton said the new facilities would benefit both the Merbein Football Netball Club and the broader league.
“This project is a fantastic boost for Merbein Football Netball Club. It provides so many additional options for the Club and the League as a whole and we fully support this project,” Ms Milverton said.
ENDS