By David Nagel
It was a huge day for the Nar Nar Goon Football Netball Club on Saturday with the Goon unveiling its resurfaced oval at Spencer Street.
The grand opening of the magnificent new surface took place in front of representatives from Cardinia Shire and State Government, who contributed the majority of the $900,000 price tag to lay the new grass.
Cr Graeme Moore was on hand, while State MP Harriet Shing made a strong first impression at the club.
Cardinia Shire contributed $450,000, State Government $250,000, with a significant $200,000 being funded by Federal Government.
Federal MP Jason Wood was an apology on the day.
Nar Nar Goon President Patrick Noonan said it was fantastic to have football played once again at the club’s traditional home ground.
Works started in late September, with the entire pre-season training sessions being held at James Bathe Reserve in Pakenham.
“It was definitely challenging for the club culture, to be training away from our ground, but the boys have been fantastic in supporting the club while the resurfacing was taking place,” Noonan said.
“We’ve all been working hard over the last month to get things back up to speed and enjoy the surrounds of our footy club again.
“The contractors have done an amazing job.
“We started at the end of September and had the wettest year on record last year, we had a lot of rain, but they’ve spent hundreds of hours on drainage and irrigation to get the ground looking as good as it does today.
“We’ve been very lucky since the grass went down, we’ve had good growing weather, and it’s now coming along nicely.
“It’s an exciting day for the club.
“We’re very happy with the outcome and the players just love the surface…it’s beautiful.”
Life members, sponsors and past players were also on hand for the grand opening, with Star News Group photographer STEWART CHAMBERS on hand to capture the smiling faces at the club.
