By MARK HEENAN
OCEAN Grove’s Shell Road sports precinct becomes a reality this month when the state-art-of-the-art $6 million facility invites the public to attend a community open day.
The Shell Road Pavilion opening will take place on Sunday 13 March between 10am and 4pm.
Major political dignitaries including Federal MP for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson, City of Greater Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons and Ocean Grove-based Beangala Ward Councillor Jan Farrell will be among the guests to attend opening.
Federal MP for Corangmite, Sarah Henderson, said the community open day at Shell Road Reserve would be a wonderful celebration.
“I am very much looking forward to joining the Ocean Grove Football Netball Club, Surfside Waves Soccer Club, Ocean Grove Cricket Club and other community members for the official opening of the Shell Road Reserve Pavilion on Sunday 13 March,” Ms Henderson told the Voice.
The Federal Government contributed $3.5 million to new sports complex, while the City of Greater Geelong has provided $2.5 million.
State MP for Bellarine Lisa Neville has provided funding towards the construction of a new electronic scoreboard and new interchange benches and netting behind the goals.
“There is a real sense of excitement in the community, particularly among members of the four local clubs,” Ms Henderson said.
“The new pavilion presents many community groups with the opportunity to use this facility.
“With its four change rooms, social rooms, a commercial kitchen, two kiosks and an extended car park, this is a wonderful asset for the whole community.
“I want to thank the many members of the Ocean Grove community with whom I’ve worked since 2009 to make this dream a reality.“
Ocean Grove Football Netball Club president, Tony Potter, said the community open day was significant for the football, netball, Ocean Grove cricket and Surfside Waves soccer clubs, all co-tenants of the facility.
Potter said the community open day would be a fun day for the Ocean Grove and wider Geelong region to attend.
“It is a community open day for everyone to get involved,” Potter told the Voice.
“We are also going to be running, on the day, family activities.
“We are looking at this point in time to have face painting, jumping castles, we have soccer stuff set up, football activities and we will have netball activities.”
