Members of Box Hill United FC and the wider footballing community are going to enjoy an improved experience at RHL Sparks Reserve West, as a new facility has officially been opened.
The RHL Sparks Reserve West Pavilion includes state-of-the-art amenities, including four change rooms, umpires’ change rooms, public toilets, a first-aid room, storage facilities, a kiosk, covered external concourse for spectator viewing and impressive landscaping works.
Additionally, the reconfigured car park and entry from Canterbury Rd ensures safe and easy access to the facility.
Whitehorse City Council contributed over $3.1 million to this project, signalling their intentions to make this a facility for all, leading into the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“As a Council, we are committed to maintaining and improving existing facilities and promoting active participation in recreation and leisure by providing upgraded and improved facilities that everyone in our community can enjoy,” Whitehorse City Council Mayor Mark Lane said at the pavilion’s launch.
“It’s important to recognise the role of community sporting clubs in Whitehorse, and the significance of investing in our built environment to support this.
“The pavilion represents more than just a building; it is a strategic investment by the Council. By providing high-quality facilities like this, we enable our local clubs to facilitate participation opportunities for our community. It is through such investments that we can foster a sense of belonging, pride and unity among our residents.
“I would like to express my appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this project, from the planning to the final completion. This pavilion is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together as a community.”
Another integral component for the pavilion development is the Victorian State Government, who put $500,000 towards the facility via the 2020-21 World Game Facilities Fund.
Paul Hamer, MP for Box Hill, was on hand to share his thoughts on the completed project.
“After going through a tour of the facility, it just reaffirms how fantastic it really is,” he said in a statement.
“There’s been a lot of details that have really been considered in terms of how the facilities have been used.
“Reflecting on some of the early discussions that I’ve had with the committee at Box Hill United, it’s something that they’ve been pushing for throughout many years.
“It provides such an open environment that’s really easy for parents, visitors and friends to come and watch – these facilities are needed as it’s such a great outcome for all involved.”
As a leader to improve football facilities at the club, Box Hill United President George Petheriotis was thrilled to see the pavilion come to fruition.
Located across the road from Wembley Park, home of Box Hill United, RHL Sparks Reserve West is now at a standard to welcome more participants from all backgrounds.
“After 100 years of football here at Box Hill United, we finally have a facility for our community to enjoy, gather, and feel happy and comfortable within,” Petheriotis said in a statement.
“We are very grateful to everyone that made this happen, including past and present board members who worked tirelessly for this outcome.
“I would also like to thank the City of Whitehorse for recognising the need for a year-round surface at this venue. As such, they are currently completing the synthetic field feasibility study.
“Particularly in the year of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, we now look to leave a much-required legacy for the next 100 years of footballers of all ages, genders and without discrimination.
“Only with the support of councillors, the City of Whitehorse, Paul Hamer and Carina Garland would we have been able to achieve the completion of this wonderful facility at its fullest – we appreciate their support.”
The pavilion at RHL Sparks will no doubt be a positive influence on the long-term future of Box Hill United, catering for teams across men’s, women’s and junior competitions.
