NEW five-wicket cricket nets were officially opened at Marty Busch Reserve last Thursday evening.
The nets are the training base of the Napoleons Sebastopol Cricket Club and two of the bays can be accessed by the public for recreational use.
The project has been delivered as part of the ongoing $9.4 million Marty Busch Reserve Master Plan works which are being funded by the State Government and City of Ballarat.
“It’s a much bigger space, and much nicer than the old nets at the reserve we’ve come across from,” said Naps-Sebas CC vice-president Sam Peters.
“We’ve gone from four nets to five nets. Having three nets that are purely ours – not open to the public – makes them easier to maintain.
“Our kids in the 11s, 13s and 15s are in a learning atmosphere, and many are new to the sport. To have an area where kids can bat and bowl, go through the basics, and fit in some fielding is great for our group.
“We also have 40 or 50 blokes in our senior group. Everyone can fit in here without splitting up; we’re keeping the club as a whole and ensuring the culture isn’t split. We can stick as one.”
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said she expects the club will be able take their skills to the next level.
“It’s a large protected space with a synthetic surface and retractable nets, making it ideal for training,” she said.
“It means more time in the nets to fine tune batting and bowling skills. Having two of the five wickets open for community use is so important as well.”
The State Government has committed $8.4 million towards the overall reserve overhaul.
“All the clubs here at Marty Busch are so proud and deserve these great facilities, so thank you to council for more-than a million dollars in the contribution to make sure we…get everything done,” Ms Addison said.
“The park is a sports and recreation destination.”
Naps-Sebas cricketers also utilise Marty Busch’s redeveloped Dick Fleming Oval (number two oval) and turf wicket, and the new scoreboard, which were delivered as part of the master plan works.
Also part of the overall precinct update were the delivery of a new netball court and lighting throughout the reserve.
New AFL Victoria-compliant changerooms and a pavilion beside the number two oval are on the way, and works are expected to begin next year. The current building will be knocked down.
An upgrade and relocation of the CFA fire and marshall track, and a new criterium cycling track are being designed.
“Every time we come back here, we are seeing significant progress being made which is fantastic to see,” said City of Ballarat Sebastopol Ward councillor Des Hudson.
“At the end of the day it is about providing modern facilities for grassroots sport and that is what is important.”