Mortlock Park upgrade welcomed
Local sports clubs celebrated the opening of the upgraded Gil Langley Community Sports Centre at Mortlock Park, Colonel Light Gardens, last month.
Representatives from Colonel Light Gardens Football Club and Goodwood Baseball Club were joined by Federal and State MPs, City of Mitcham Councillors and staff to officially open the project.
The $4.535 million project was funded by the Federal Government ($900,000), State Government ($2.1 million) and City of Mitcham ($1.434 million), along with the Colonel Light Gardens Football Club ($50,000) and Goodwood Baseball Club ($50,000).
The upgrade includes four unisex changerooms, an umpires’ changeroom, accessible toilets and a medical or trainers’ room. It also includes a new canteen, new lift, storage areas, two batting tunnels, an extended balcony, new carpet and internal painting.
The new facilities are expected to support participation, particularly among women and junior players.
City of Mitcham Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross said due to its location in a heritage listed suburb, the project required extensive planning and consultation to balance the needs of local residents and sporting clubs.
“The community told us that this is what was needed and what has been achieved here is a fantastic outcome,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.
Colonel Light Gardens Football Club Facilities Development Manager Peter Callaghan said the clubrooms would pave the way for the future of the club.
“As a football club we’re delighted to have it completed,” he said. “We’ve been here for 100 years and we want another 100 years here. This building has been built to sustain us for a long time into the future.”
Goodwood Baseball Club President Glenn Hunt said his club welcomed the upgrade to the building, batting tunnel and ongoing work to upgrade the diamond and fencing at the oval
“We’re thankful for the work Council has put in and the support from all levels of government to make this happen,” he said. “The facilities we have now are significantly better and once the upgrades are finished it will really complete the whole precinct for both the football and baseball clubs.”
The upgrade follows the installation of six energy-efficient LED light towers, designed to reduce light spill and comply with modern standards, in 2025.