After years of growth, Wallington now has contemporary, accessible facilities to support participation from the whole community.
The Wallington Reserve All Abilities Pavilion redevelopment was officially opened on Friday 30 October by Murradoc Ward Councillor Rowan Story, Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant, and local cricket, baseball and community members.
The $4.25 million project, funded through a partnership between the City of Greater Geelong ($3.25 million) and Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund ($1 million), was identified as a priority project through the Ocean Grove Sporting Infrastructure Plan and has transformed the ageing 40-year-old clubrooms into a modern and inclusive sporting hub.
The redevelopment has delivered:
- new compliant changerooms and first aid room for players and umpires
- accessible toilets
- modern kitchen and canteen
- upgraded social and community spaces
- improved accessibility throughout the pavilion, including wider doorways and step free walkways
- inclusive facilities, including sensory room, designed to support participants of all abilities, ages and genders
- enhanced infrastructure for women’s, girls’ and all-abilities sport programs
The redevelopment has been further supported by a $50,000 Victorian Government all-abilities participation grant, which was also launched at the opening with a Sport4All All Abilities come-and-try activity.
During their respective seasons, Wallington Cricket Club and Bellarine Bears Baseball Club will deliver all abilities clinics as part of the initiative. Wallington Cricket Club will be hosting their program on Sundays starting 22 November.
City of Greater Geelong Murradoc Ward Councillor Rowan Story AM, RFD
Wallington Reserve is now a facility for the whole community.
Importantly, the works were shaped by feedback from the people who use precinct most via the Ocean Grove Sporting Infrastructure Plan consultation process.
This redevelopment responds to the changing needs of our region’s sporting clubs and community facility users, and ensures Wallington Reserve can support their continued growth, particularly among women, girls and all-abilities participants.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
I am proud to support this project through the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, working alongside the City of Greater Geelong to deliver modern facilities that make community sport more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
These upgraded amenities will ensure local players, umpires, volunteers and supporters can participate in and enjoy sport in comfort, safety and dignity for many years to come.
