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Len Shearer Have Your Say
Residents are invited to have their say about the future of Len Shearer Reserve at two open days to be held at Melville Aquatic Fitness Centre on Saturday, 18 August and Monday, 20 August 2012.
Len Shearer is one of the City of Melville’s premier active reserves and attracts people from across the area. The Reserve is one of a handful that offers multiple playing areas and has been a home to soccer and athletics for at least 30 years.
A concept plan is being developed for the Reserve that will include an area of synthetic sports turf within the grounds, an upgrade to both the path network and parking areas, consideration for spectator areas, a proposal for a coffee shop and other possible ideas.
City of Melville Acting Mayor Clive Robartson said the decision to upgrade the Reserve was triggered by the deterioration and eventual closure of the playing surface in previous years.
“Deterioration of the natural turf was caused by an over usage of the surface, combined with significantly dry and extended summer seasons in recent years that severely affected the City’s ability to water the playing area,” he said.
“The City has also identified that into the future we will have a shortfall in active reserves unless we find innovative and water efficient ways of increasing the capacity of our existing active sites.
“Central to this idea is the use of synthetic sports turf in a partial area of Len Shearer Reserve. Synthetic sports turf does not require water and will be able to support more than double the playing capacity of natural turf.
“With synthetic turf technology evolving at a rapid pace, the City would consider environmental and health factors, maximised user comfort and the overall aesthetics of Len Shearer Reserve as critical elements when selecting a synthetic turf surface.”
Staff will be on hand at the open days to provide further information on the project, but more importantly, to hear resident concerns and suggestions regarding the draft concept plan.
Residents unable to attend one of the open days can alternatively visit the City’s online forum We’re Listening Melville which encourages community input and feedback for the concept planning stage.
The open days will be held at Melville Aquatic Fitness Centre on Saturday, 18 August 2012, Noon to 2.00pm and on Monday, 20 August 2012, 6.00pm to 8.00pm.
For further information click here or call 1300 635 845.