“The question must be: does this mean that kids’ organised sport is no longer a priority for us?” he asked the council meeting.
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In 2020, the state government withdrew a $500,000 sports grant for a synthetic soccer pitch at the reserve when it found Moreland City Council misrepresented support for the pitch.
Astroturf, in particular, is a cause of tension when reserves are upgraded because some residents view it as a negative influence on the amenity of a park, and see it as a move towards privatisation for professional clubs.
Boroondara council decided not to lay fake grass on a soccer pitch at Dorothy Laver Reserve in Glen Iris, east of Melbourne, after residents and other sporting clubs opposed the plan, arguing the renovation would exclude them.
Following similar debates at two Sydney councils last year, the New South Wales government conducted a parliamentary inquiry into alternatives to artifical turf. It recommended consistent statewide guidelines to ensure the fair use of open space and reduce environmental impacts.
Moreland resident Helen Kratzmann said the lack of green space in her area was highlighted during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns, and the problem would only become more apparent with population growth.
“There is a lack of equitable access to green spaces, there is no room for a casual game of cricket or a child to fly a kite,” she said.
Resident Frances Fairhall said the dispute created “real division” in the community, and she was concerned by the dominance of professional sporting groups over community facilities.
“They are commercial entities and should not be allowed to dominate and ‘gentrify’ local residents out of the community space provided by the Crown,” she said.
The decision to retain parkland at Hosken Reserve for broad community use was a blow to Pascoe Vale Football Club, which is based there and has almost 500 players.
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Club president Lou Tona said his members were “devastated and disappointed” by the council decision but wanted to move on.
“We just want to put this toxic, gut-wrenching situation behind us,” he said. “We’re like every club in the municipality and space is an issue. I think it’s misunderstood that clubs want to take space away from everybody.”
Tona said sports grounds could only cope with so many hours of use to remain at a suitable standard.
“It’s become toxic because we’re all fighting over a piece of land that we all need,” he said. “I think the issue is broader than just Hosken Reserve. I think it’s an inner-city council issue.”
With Michael Fowler
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Turf war treaty: Council keeps some parkland for community use
Source: Philippines Alive
