New cricket nets a smashing success at Russell Square Reserve

The future of cricket is bright in East Ballarat after the completion of six new cricket nets at Russell Square Reserve. 

The new nets were officially unveiled on Friday, marking the completion of the $469,744 initiative. 

As a result of the project, there are now five cricket nets for the East Ballarat Cricket Club and a sixth cricket net dedicated to the community for use year-round. 

They replace the sporting facility’s outdated nets, which were demolished this week. 

City of Ballarat contributed $452,581 to the project through the Ballarat Recreation Capital Improvement Program, with the State Government contributing $17,163 through the Community Sports Fund. 

The upgrade follows similar projects at Doug Dean Reserve and Alfredton Recreation Reserve, while the Mount Clear Recreation Reserve nets upgrade is due to start in the coming months. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it was crucial that funding for sporting infrastructure was injected throughout the city. 

“We’re very proud to deliver this new and improved cricket training facility and it’s great to know that there has already been substantial community benefit,” he said. 

“Having the best possible facilities is key to attracting and retaining people at sporting clubs and we know that increased sport participation has so many other related benefits as well.” 

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle said the new nets would help ensure a long sporting history continued. 

“The East Ballarat Cricket Club has played a significant role in local sport for more than 100 years,” she said. 

“These new, modern cricket nets will help train our cricketers of the future and be an asset to our sporting community for years to come.” 

East Ballarat Cricket Club president Mark Simpson also welcomed the new nets. 

“The new facilities are fantastic for us and will make a huge difference to our club, and our junior cricket program, in particular through the provision of safer and more inclusive infrastructure,” he said.