Major Upgrades for Mansfield's Ovals

Published on 28 March 2024

Upcoming improvements to Lords Reserve are set to revitalise the playing field and allow greater use through winter, opening up more opportunities for Mansfield’s growing sporting community.

The playing surface of Lords Oval will be reformed to enable proper water runoff and address longstanding drainage issues that cause the ground to become boggy following high rainfall. Its irrigation system will also be realigned to match the new surface profile.

On completion, the multi-use sports field will be able to accommodate competition games year-round, supporting community clubs like the Delatite Cricket Club and Mansfield Junior Football Club.

Works are planned to begin on 8 April and continue until 24 May. The $237,000 project is funded from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Country Football and Netball Program, with contributions from Council’s Capital Works Budget.

Sporting clubs will be able to continue their activities while the works are underway, with the recently upgraded College Park providing an alternative playing ground.

The College Park upgrades include an extended irrigation system and a layer of topsoil with fertiliser and newly sown grass, all done by Council’s Field Services team. This work will bring the second field, just north of the soccer pitch, up to a suitable standard for competition.

Although these upgrades are already complete, the additional oval will be available for use from late April after the new grass has had time to establish. Community members are asked to refrain from using the oval until it is fully open.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie spoke about the importance of opening up additional playing space in Mansfield.

“This is currently a major issue in our community. Sporting clubs want to grow and give more people, particularly young people, the benefits of engaging in sport, but there just aren’t enough facilities to meet the huge demand,” he said.

“We’re taking action to make more sporting facilities available and to bring the ones we already have up to a higher standard, so that more competition can take place across the Shire.

“With Lords Reserve in particular, we already have a good facility, and with these upgrades we can allow it to be used to its full potential.

“We were also particularly concerned to make sure the works didn’t disrupt the clubs’ schedules for the coming winter, which is why completing the College Park upgrades in time was so important.

“We look forward to seeing our clubs and the community get the most out of these two ovals.”

While works on Lords Reserve are underway, some sections of the oval will be closed and some foot traffic will be redirected for safety.

For any enquiries, please contact Council at council@mansfield.vic.gov.au or on (03) 5775 8555.