Baxter Park Synthetic Soccer Pitch

The ‘completion of detailed designs and delivery of a synthetic pitch soccer pitch’ for users Baxter Reserve in Warragul was a recommendation in the Warragul Outdoor Recreation Plan Review 2019, which was adopted by Council on 26 June 2019. The Review involved a significant amount of community consultation and has helped scope this project.

As part of the 2019/2020 Capital Works Program, Council worked with SportEng and the Project Reference Group to finalise the design and construction drawings for the Synthetic Pitch and accessible path from the pavilion to the pitch.

In February 2020 Council submitted a grant application to the State Government seeking $500,000 towards the project through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s World Game Fund. Council was advised in August 2020 that the application had been unsuccessful.  The scope of works was then refined inline with a Council resolution to complete the project in stages should grant funding not be realised.

The staging of works meant that Council could still progress to deliver the synthetic pitch and access ramp as part of the 2020/2021 Council Capital Works Program.

During September and October 2020, Council opened a public tender process seeking qualified contractors to submit tenders for the delivery of the synthetic pitch project. Upon closing, tenders were evaluated with Council awarding the project tender to Polytan Asia Pacific Pty Ltd.

The first stage of the new synthetic pitch project included the following:

• FIFA Certified synthetic playing surface including drainage.
• Fencing.
• Equipment and equipment storage area.
• Access ramp and stairs.
• Two accessible car parks.
• Planting out of the embankment area. 

You can keep an eye on the progress of this exciting project on our Facebook page and by regularly checking the image gallery below for the latest images from the park. 

Update 10 February 2021

Earthworks have begun on site, removing the old surface in preparation for drainage and concrete footings to be installed.

(JPG, 2MB)

(JPG, 3MB)

(JPG, 2MB)

Update 18 March 2021

Drainage has been installed around the site, ensuring the new pitch won't hold water like the old surface. Crushed rock has been compacted to stabilise the area for the concrete slab to be poured.

(JPG, 2MB)

(JPG, 2MB)

Update 31 March 2021

Footings for the perimeter have been poured and structural posts are being put in place. Behind the goal areas, larger fences will be installed to ensure that any stray shots at goal stay within the field.

(JPG, 2MB)

(JPG, 2MB)

(JPG, 2MB)

Update 10 May 2021

Footpaths and perimeter fencing have been completed, and the drainage cells, shock absorbing padding and synthetic grass have now been installed on site. 

(JPG, 1MB)

(JPG, 1MB)

(JPG, 2MB)

Update 7 July 2021

The access ramp and stairs have been completed, with planting to be completed once weather conditions improve. The project has now reached practical completion and an official opening will be held in the near future.

(JPG, 2MB)

(JPG, 2MB)

(JPG, 2MB)

(JPG, 2MB)

(JPG, 2MB)

(JPG, 2MB)

Council will continue to pursue external funding opportunities, including State and Federal Government grant opportunities to deliver the remaining stages of the Baxter Park Upgrade Project.

To ensure the remaining project stages are shovel ready and can be included in future grant applications Council has included the design of a female and child friendly pavilion for Baxter Park in it's Accelerated Design Program, which forms part of Council's 2020/21 Capital Works Program. 

Other items to be delivered at a future date include spectator shelters, car parking and ancillary works that may be required to compliment the project.