Let’s play ball
Bayside’s newest basketball courts at the Sandringham Family Leisure Centre are open for play.
The $12 million facility expansion is home to four indoor courts, change rooms with privacy cubicles, first aid, and a reception and canteen area. Additional parking has also improved access for centre users.
The Southern Basketball Association (SBA), who also contributed to the cost of construction, celebrated the new courts with an event over the weekend.
Bayside Mayor, Cr Fiona Stitfold said the new facility has generated a lot of excitement.
“Sport and recreation facilities create a network of players, coaches, umpires, supporters, friends, families and volunteers all of who are vital to physical and mental health and creating an integrated community," said Cr Stitfold.
“This new facility will help current and future players develop their skills and enjoy their chosen sport.”
SBA CEO Craig Weir said, "The new facility is going to bring more for basketball and also the introduction of new sports to the stadium such as badminton, volleyball and pickleball."
“Basketball is growing in our community. We’ve got over 1000 teams, and 12 months ago we had 800,” Weir said.
As part of the stadium expansion, Council worked closely with local environmental groups to ensure the safety and protection of trees, frogs, and other wildlife in Tulip St Reserve.
The improved habitat for native wildlife enhances the surroundings of the Tulip Street Pond and facilitates the movement of native fauna between Tulip Street Reserve and Sandringham Golf Course.
