Football Victoria congratulates Melton City Council on the official opening of the $15.3 million Aintree North Recreation Reserve — a major investment in community sport and active recreation that will support the region’s rapidly growing football and sporting population.
Opened in April by City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi and State Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch MP, the reserve will serve as a key district-level precinct in Melbourne’s west and will be home to several local sporting groups, including football clubs.
Cr Steve Abboushi, Mayor of the City of Melton, said the reserve will be an “absolute game-changer” for the community.
“Spaces like these make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to take part in regular exercise, social connection and outdoor activity,” he said.
“I’d like to thank the Victorian Government and Woodlea for their contributions to this fantastic project.”
The new facility includes high-quality soccer fields, an all-abilities play space, a youth skate park, jogging track and fitness trail, off-lead dog park, public toilets, a shared path network and a modern community sports pavilion.
Melton City Council invested $11.9 million in the project, with the Victorian Government contributing $2 million through the Growing Suburbs Fund and developer Woodlea adding $1.46 million.
Football Victoria’s Club Development Program Manager, Josephine La Pila, welcomed the opening of the reserve and praised the investment in community football infrastructure.
“This precinct is a fantastic example of local government, developers and state partners working together to support grassroots football,” she said.
“The facilities at Aintree will open new doors for clubs, players and families – especially in such a fast-growing area. We’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on participation, development and community connection.”
Football Victoria looks forward to continuing its work with the City of Melton and local clubs to ensure the new reserve becomes a thriving centre for football and community sport.