New sporting pavilion for Cheong Park

Published on 16 March 2022

Works are underway on the redevelopment of the pavilion at Cheong Park. Once completed, the pavilion will be a true community facility with sporting clubs and Croydon U3A calling it home.

The new Cheong Park pavilion is a $1.8million project funded by Council, with funding from the Australian and Victorian Government.

The works will see an upgrade of the pavilion’s façade, and the addition of two female-friendly change rooms, umpire change rooms, game-day toilets, renovated social space and kitchen. The facility will focus on inclusiveness and accessibility for all abilities.

The works are expected to be completed by July 2022.

Tarralla Ward Councillor, Paul Macdonald, said it was exciting to see works underway on site.

“The fencing is up, and works have begun to partially demolish and refurbish this well-loved pavilion which will include an improved viewing area for both cricket and football spectators,” he said.

The new sporting and community facility will be home to the South Croydon Cricket Club, South Croydon Football Club, Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL), and will be utilised by the U3A Croydon.

Cr Macdonald said he hoped the new facilities would see a positive increase in patronage for all of the clubs.

“We have a large sporting community in Maroondah and the upgrades of Cheong Park pavilion will be a great inspiration for those wanting to join the local clubs to come down and have a go,” he said.

“The pavilion will cater for the growth of both the South Croydon Football and Cricket Clubs, particularly with the growth of female participation in both sports,” he said.

South Croydon Football Club

South Croydon Football Club have been at Cheong Park since their founding in 1969. Along with football, the club’s netball teams (part of the EFNL) will also use the facilities.

President Steve Duke is looking forward to the improvements, especially for the female players.

“With a growing number of women's teams, and with plenty of junior girls coming through in future years, the new female-friendly facilities are a much-needed boost,” Mr Duke said.

“The improvements to the social area will also be a bonus, with a greatly improved kitchen and bar facility to support both match days and social events.

“On top of the new lighting last year and the ground works over the summer, these playing facilities will be some of the best in the EFNL, encouraging new players for both the men's and women's programs,” he said.

And with the Football season starting soon, the club can’t wait to get back to training.

“Like all clubs, we are really looking forward to getting back to the football on a week-to-week basis. The new facilities will be fantastic for both supporters and players and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Cheong Park very soon,” Mr Duke said.

South Croydon Cricket Club

The South Croydon Cricket club have called Cheong Park home since 1952.

President of the club, Wayne Barrett, said that the upgrades will help to grow both their junior and female cricketing programs.

“Our club serves to provide the best facilities, equipment and coaching to encourage physical participation in sport.

“By providing facilities for boys and girls, our aim is to grow our junior cricket program,” Mr Barrett said.

“The new change rooms will provide the female cricketers with their own facilities every day. This is another step forward for them and the club as we grow female participation at a key community club.

“The new social rooms will provide us with modern contemporary facilities for our junior and senior cricketers, as well as their families, our members and supporters,” he said.

The club has high-hopes for their upcoming season, the redevelopment a tentpole in achieving their goals.

“We believe that the Cheong Park redevelopment is another milestone in achieving our goals and will make South Croydon the community’s cricket club of choice,” Mr Barrett said.

U3A Croydon

U3A Croydon has almost 900 members and conduct more than 100 wellbeing activities and classes for elderly residents.

With the current redevelopment of Cheong Park Pavilion, U3A have relocated 14 of their classes to the Springfield Pavilion.

U3A Croydon President Neil Rose is looking forward to utilising the new facilities once revealed.

“We hope the new facilities will encourage many more members of the Maroondah community to join us and pursue a more active and productive lifestyle,” said Mr Rose.

To see progress photos of the redevelopment works, visit the Cheong Park Pavilion webpage.

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