UPGRADES at Deakin Reserve have continued to progress, with Greater Shepparton City Council delivering a range of improvements to one of the region’s premier sporting precincts.
Home to the Shepparton Bears Football Netball Club, Shepparton United Football Netball Club and St Brendan’s Cricket Club, the reserve has seen progress across several priorities identified in the Deakin Reserve Future Directions Plan.
Recently completed projects include:
Construction of a second netball court and warm-up area, along with a new amenities block, ticket box and officials’ and players’ shelters.
Development of a public toilet and changeroom facilities plan designed to meet contemporary accessibility and user requirements.
Installation of a larger digital scoreboard with video capability and a relocated media box to improve functionality.
Additional storage facilities to better support sporting clubs, reserve maintenance and future major events.
Replacement of boundary fencing along Harold and Nixon streets earlier this year.
Council said improvements to pedestrian access and accessibility throughout the reserve, including upgraded asphalt pathways and spectator seating, are partially complete and will continue as future works progress.
Greater Shepparton City Council Acting Director Infrastructure Janelle Bunfield said Deakin Reserve remained a key sporting and community asset.
“Deakin Reserve is an iconic space within Greater Shepparton, supporting participation from grassroots through to elite levels of football, netball and cricket,” she said.
“Several important upgrades have been completed at Deakin Reserve in recent years, improving the experience for players, clubs and the wider community. Council will continue to work closely with user groups to identify future opportunities and deliver the priorities outlined in the Deakin Reserve Future Directions Plan.”
Ms Bunfield said the new boundary fencing was installed following requests from user groups to improve access and safety around the reserve and adjoining playground.
“As part of planned renewal works, the fencing along Harold Street and Nixon Street required replacement. Council worked closely with the relevant user groups to ensure the renewed fencing improves safety while maintaining public access to the playground,” she said.
The playground will remain open to the public during weekdays via the main gates. On match days, the Harold and Nixon Street gates will be closed, however visitors can still access the playground by entering through the ticketed gates and advising attendants of their destination.
