Looking forward to the opening of YMCA Cardinia LiFE’s court extension are, from left, Cardinia Shire Central Ward councillor Kate Lempriere, Kong Tut, Cardinia Shire Central Ward councillor Brett Owen, YMCA Cardinia LiFE assistant manager Leo O’Broin, Cardinia Shire Council manager of buildings and facilities Steve Fernee and Darrell Morgan. 20313
By Melissa Grant
THE countdown is on to the opening of YMCA Cardinia LiFE’s four-court extension.
Just days remain before basketballers and netballers have access to the new courts, with games expected to be played on surfaces from Monday.
Stadium director Wade Mackrell said the additional courts would be game-ready provided there were no hiccups in the coming days.
The $4.8 million extension also features a program room for group fitness and additional changeroom facilities.
A new premier court has retractable seating to accommodate 686 people, meaning YMCA Cardinia LiFE could soon showcase premier netball and basketball games, including those featuring Olympic squads, state squads and National Basketball League teams.
Rainwater harvesting of the roof area is a significant feature of the project, and expected to save an average of five megalitres of treated water each year.
The extension makes the complex on the Princes Highway, Pakenham, one of the biggest recreational centres in the state outside the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
An $11 million leisure and aquatic centre was opened at YMCA Cardinia LiFE two years ago.
Mr Mackrell said having twice as many courts would eliminate the possibility of basketballers and netballers playing at unrealistic playing times.
“People were really struggling to get their kids out of school and get them down here (at 4pm) and nobody wanted to play the 10pm games,” he said.
Mr Mackrell said extending the stadium to eight courts also meant the complex could begin to look at introducing new sports such as indoor soccer, volleyball and badminton.
He said the extension would also enable the facility to host large-scale events, and a home show had already been scheduled for October.
Cardinia Shire Central Ward councillor Kate Lempriere said the extension would add a new dimension to the award-winning sports and aquatic facility.
“The four new courts being built in the stadium will double the number of courts at the centre and greatly increase its capacity to cater for our expanding population,” Cr Lempriere said.
“Council is committed to making Cardinia Shire the best possible place to live, work and raise a family – and providing new and improved recreation facilities is a major part of our commitment.
“This centre is a huge asset for the community and the extension will make it even more accessible.”
