Following the construction of the new pavilion and once all design works have been completed, the main soccer pitch is set for redevelopment.
Works will see complete reconstruction and upgrade of the playing surface. Currently during winter, poor drainage and surface issues impact the ability to train across the whole surface, maintenance is challenging, and matches are at risk of being cancelled.
The new sand profile surface will increase the carrying capacity of the pitch year-round. It will improve playing and training conditions, improve safety and meet increasing demand for the sport of soccer, the growth of the Drouin Dragons Soccer Club and Drouin’s growing population.
The total project is valued at $1.36 million dollars, with the Victorian Government contributing $800,000 and Council contributing the $560,000 balance.
Works are expected to commence October 2023, with the project being completed by June 2024.
The Drouin Dragons Soccer Club has welcomed the project, with club president Jason Beer stating, “The upgraded main pitch will be a game changer for the Drouin Dragons Soccer Club. It will complement the new Bellbird Park Pavilion and support the increasing number of soccer players at Drouin Dragons. We currently cannot train on a third of the Pitch from July due to the unsafe conditions and the upgrade will allow us to use the pitch for both training and games all year round, including hosting Gippsland Soccer League finals. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Baw Baw Shire Council for their support for the Drouin Dragons and also the Victorian Government for their generous contribution to this project."