BAYSIDE City Council has been successful in obtaining $40,000 from the Victorian Government’s Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation Program, towards a synthetic replacement of the natural grass bowling green at Elsternwick Park Sports Club.

Bayside Mayor Councillor Andrew McLorinan said the synthetic bowling green would give people the opportunity to play bowls all year-round.

“The club will be open in winter when the natural grass greens bowling clubs generally close.

“The new green will also reduce significant water use at the venue by approximately 700 kilolitres; this is equivalent to about the volume of water in a 25-metre swimming pool, Cr McLorinan said.

The surface will be laid in July and August 2008.

It is estimated the project will cost $185,000. Bayside City Council has allocated $50,000 in its 2008/09 budget. Elsternwick Park Sports Club has contributed $50,000 and secured a $45,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Community Water Grant Program.