ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008 CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

PARKS SPORT AND LEISURE
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
Objective
To improve quality of life by providing
opportunities for physical activity and
open space for reflection, relaxation, social
interaction and the experiences of nature.
Highlights
The first 14 inductees into the Geelong Sports Legends
Plaza were unveiled in September 2007 at an official
opening ceremony, featuring family members of many
of the sports legends. The Legends Plaza comprises a
series of two metre tall displays featuring an image of
each sports legend and a brief summary of their best
known achievements. Located at Kardinia Park, the
spiritual home of sport achievement in Geelong, the
Plaza honours sporting achievements and acknowledges
the positive influence sport has on people’s lives. The
Legends Plaza not only represents our rich sporting
history, but stands as an inspiration to current and future
athletes from across our region to strive to achieve
success in their chosen field.
Construction commenced on the Bellarine Aquatic and
Sports Centre in February 2008 and is due to open in
December 2008. The centre, being built at Ocean Grove,
is a partnership project involving the City of Greater
Geelong which is contributing $5.5 million and the State
Government which is providing $2.5 million. The Centre
is a long-held vision of the Bellarine community and will
cater to all ages and abilities. It will include facilities such
as an eight-lane 25 metre pool, program pool space for
all levels of Learn to Swim, water play facilities, outdoor
recreation space, provision for some warm water exercise
and a disabled/family change area.
Achievements
In January 2008, Council endorsed the Eastern Park
and Geelong Botanic Gardens Strategic Plan and
recommended the start of implementation. The Strategic
Plan provides a 50 year vision for the park and a 20 year
implementation plan. The Plan has been developed in
three stages:
> Stage one - Heritage Conservation Assessment:
identifies heritage elements.
> Stage two - The Master Plan: 32 actions for
improvements.
> Stage three - The Management Plan: addresses
key management issues.
The Plan will achieve the aim of enhancing the Park
while protecting the much admired heritage and natural
elements. Future projects include a boardwalk to link
Eastern Beach with Eastern Park and the Geelong
Botanic Gardens, a sculpture park, amphitheatre for
outdoor events, an educational facility, and transforming
the Walter Conservatory into a restaurant, café and
function space.
During the year several sporting facilities and reserves
received upgrades. The Queens Park sports reserve
upgrade was completed with the pavilion receiving a
major refurbishment, Newcomb and District Sports Club
new netball pavilion was completed, the Barwon Heads
Village Park tennis court and playground upgrade were
finished and the new Ocean Grove soccer grounds were
officially opened.
The rejuvenation of Sparrow Park has seen the
development of a new learn to skate area, new
tricycle/scooter track and a new playground for older
children amongst the exciting new additions to the
popular park. Outdoor power was also installed allowing
for the Geelong West Brass Band to perform recitals in
the park. Local residents were actively involved in the
upgrade and people of all ages will benefit from the
works.
The new Corio Community Park was also opened during
the year. The once underutilised space has become a
place of vibrancy, pride and activity that is accessible to
people of all ages, cultural backgrounds and abilities. This
partnership project in the northern suburbs has seen the
installation of a playground for young children, barbeque
area, rotunda, walking tracks and a community arts
space. Further works are planned for a playground for
older children, bollards, new garden beds and extra
fencing. Corio Community Park is a family-friendly place
designed for everyone to access leisure and recreational
activities.
95