Croydon community sporting hub, Ainslie Park, is getting an upgrade with construction of a new pavilion underway.
Cr Mike Symon, Mayor of Maroondah, formally announced the beginning of the works in a sod turning event on Tuesday 22 February 2022.
“Today is a very exciting milestone, and I look forward to seeing the project completed later this year,” Cr Symon said.
Ainslie Park is home to the Ainslie Park Cricket Club and East Ringwood Junior Football Club. Cr Symon is enthusiastic that the changes will boost their memberships.
“The new pavilion will cater for the expected growth of both the Football and Cricket clubs, particularly with the growth of female participation in both sports,” Cr Symon said.
Councillor for the McAlpin Ward, Suzy Stojanovic, is also looking forward to the opportunity for more women and girls to be involved in sport.
“I’m proud that McAlpin ward will finally be getting club premises that welcome female players with inclusive and safe changeroom facilities. This is an important step to ensuring female players of both sports feel welcome and intrinsic to the clubs at Ainslie Park,” Cr Stojanovic said.
The $1.9 million Ainslie Park Pavilion redevelopment is aided by the Australian government’s Sport Australia Infrastructure Fund and will focus on inclusiveness and accessibility for all abilities. Mindful of the possibility that coaches and umpires might be of any gender, the works include separate accessible toilets, showers and change spaces which are unisex, further protecting the privacy and increasing the safety for female players. The works also include new public toilets, a first aid room, accessible shower and toilet amenities, a large social space, kitchen and kiosk.
Works began on the pavilion in January, which saw the original pavilion demolished. Construction of the new pavilion will commence shortly, with an expected completion date of July 2022.
Ainslie Park Cricket Club
Ainslie Park Cricket Club was formed in 1976 as a merger of Croydon West Cricket Club and East Ringwood United Churches. The Cricket Club has been part of Ainslie Park’s story since day one, building the grounds and rooms in conjunction with Council and local builders in the late 80s.
President of the Ainslie Park Cricket Club, David Delahunty, can’t wait for the redevelopment.
“In with the new and out with the old,” Mr Delahunty said.
“The old rooms were our home and lots of memories and premierships were celebrated there, but they were old and tired.
“It will mean the world to us to have modern facilities that will provide us with the opportunity for growth; especially for our junior and girls’ programs.
“We are excited to host community gatherings such as our in-season activities, Thursday night dinners and junior presentation nights in a new, comfortable and safe environment.
“To have actual changerooms and more than one toilet facility is also a massive bonus,” he said.
For the next season, Mr Delahunty said that the smiles and proud looks on members’ faces is what he is looking forward to the most.
“To be proud of a modern facility that other clubs will be envious of is what we’re looking forward to the most. The ground is such a hidden gem and will provide much delight,” he said.
East Ringwood Junior Football Club
Taking up tenancy at Ainslie Park in 2011, the East Ringwood Junior Football Club has quickly grown to over 400 players.
East Ringwood Junior Football Club President, Christine Grey, is ecstatic about the redevelopment.
“The revitalised Ainslie Park Pavilion will be a brilliant facility for our ever-growing club,” Ms Grey said.
“Ainslie Park is our home-ground, and these amazing new facilities will be well-utilised on game-days (Sundays) as well as for training nights, social events, coach report nights and meetings.
“The ability to promote a brand-new facility in conjunction with the other great aspects of our club will be of great benefit. Whilst our old club rooms were very cosy and hold many memories, the new facility will provide a far greater game day experience for our members and guests; it will also be an important draw card for new families looking to join ERJFC.
“Being able to promote the separate changerooms that cater for boys and girls is another great way the improvements will help the club,” she said.
For Ms Grey, next season will be one of joy.
“We are definitely most excited to see our players, families, guests, sponsors and volunteers using the space. They are so appreciative that the redevelopment is underway and that they will be able to use the new facility.
“We are extremely thankful and want to acknowledge everyone that has been involved in this project over so many years. To see it underway is really exciting,” Ms Grey said.
