THERE are renewed hopes of major improvements, including a second oval at Bright's Pioneer Park, following adoption of the Alpine Shire's 2022–2033 Sport and Recreation Active Plan last week.
Councillors backed the plan, which contains a range of other more specific locality plans – including the Pioneer Park Master Plan – to help inform future planning for infrastructure, programs and grant applications across the shire for the next 12 years.
Pioneer Park is home to many sporting groups in Bright and the master plan identifies the need for a second grassed playing field in the area adjacent to the equestrian facility that's already at the park.
A second playing field would be able to assist many of Bright's junior sporting groups including cricket, football, soccer and little athletics.
Other suggestions within the plan include developing additional tennis courts and an additional hardcourt that will be suitable for netball and basketball.
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United Bright Football Netball Club is arguably the main user of the Pioneer Park precinct.
Club president Kristi Hackett said a second oval for the juniors would certainly help bring the club closer together.
"Currently we have juniors and seniors having to play at different venues for our home games, and to be able to have the different sides of the club playing at the same venue will be beneficial for the club," she said.
"The upgrades in this plan will benefit the club immensely, the second oval and also getting another netball court will mean that we can safely have two courts for training but we can play two teams at the same time."
With Pioneer Park being used all year round for all sports and activities, Ovens Valley United president Tony Cuskelly said the cricket club is hoping the second facility will be able to be more friendly for cricket.
"We are looking for more of a cricket ground rather than a football ground, so our juniors are able to play on a cricket ground, with grass that is cut at a level where the kids get value for their shots," said Mr Cuskelly.
"Potentially we will be looking at having two games occurring at the same time in Bright with U/12s and U/14s able to use the synthetic pitches, it will make it easier for families with kids in those age groups."
