Key components of the Omeo Recreation Reserve netball and tennis facilities upgrades include court resurfacing, new perimeter fencing, new lighting to meet required standards, new player and scorer shelters, secure storage area for equipment, new pedestrian access path and upgrade of access road and parking area. 

The improved sporting facilities will support the community's physical and mental wellbeing, in enabling people to participate in physical activity and reconnecting as a community in the structured environment of organised team sports. 

Project Background

Omeo netball and tennis courts at the Omeo Recreation Reserve are in need of an upgrade. Exposed expansion joints and drainage issues have deemed the playing surface unsafe. Netball Victoria have issued an exemption for the 2021 season, however future competitions at the site are in jeopardy, due to the condition of the courts. The proposed project scope includes resurfacing of court surface, drainage improvements, new perimeter fence, new player and scorer shelters, new secure equipment storage area, new concrete pedestrian path, new spectator facilities and lighting to Netball Australia training strandards (100Lux).

Simon Leisure has prepared a concept design and estimate for these works.

Various Omeo community organisations have issued letters of support for the project.

Objectives and Scope

Currently the netball and tennis courts have been deemed to be unsafe, with exposed expansion joints and water running onto the playing surface in rain events.

Netball Victoria granted an exemption for games to be able to proceed in 2021, however future exemptions are not guaranteed. Without the upgrade, future play on these courts may be in jeopardy.

The upgrade to the netball and tennis courts will rectify those problems and ensure the future of organised sport, especially for women and girls, in the Omeo region. Being a small, somewhat isolated community, netball and tennis are the only organised team sport activities on offer for women and girls.

Research shows that physical exercise and interpersonal connection are key to overcoming trauma. The upgraded netball and tennis facilities will encourage people to get outside, re-engage, and interact. Providing community members within the Omeo and district community with such a quality space to come together, will facilitate intergenerational friendships, netball participation pathways from juniors to seniors, and improved mental health, community connectedness, mentoring and leadership.

The project will develop facilities that the Omeo community will be proud of, where people of all ages can interact in a positive and healthy environment.

Exclusions

Car park, pavilions or other buildings.