Sporting grounds are tenanted by local sporting clubs who offer opportunities for our community to participate in sporting opportunities. Clubs will schedule training and competition on their allocated grounds, under the conditions of their agreements with Council. Outside of these schedule times the sports grounds are free for a casual kick around the park.
Casual sports ground bookings
Sports grounds can be booked by the community on a casual basis. Most casual bookings are made by schools for school sports activities, cultural sporting events, participation clinics and active fundraisers.
To make a casual ground booking:
- Visit the online booking portal.
- Log in or create an account (an account is needed to make a booking request)
- Abide by the Sporting Fees, Charges and Occupancy Agreement Policy.
- Pay the usage fee once your booking is confirmed.
Please note: Not all grounds will be available, and availability is dependent on existing agreements and ground surface conditions.
Seasonal sports ground bookings
Sports grounds are tenanted to sports clubs on a seasonal basis. If you are a new club looking for a home in Darebin, get in touch with us to discuss your club’s needs. To apply for a seasonal permit, contact us first to discuss ground availability and your club’s needs. We will explain the formal application process to you, including application dates. All clubs must abide by our Sporting Fees, Charges and Occupancy Agreement Policy. Clubs may also be eligible to apply for a sporting fee performance subsidy.
Personal training permit applications
Personal trainers, fitness instructors and dog obedience trainers must obtain a permit to conduct business in Darebin parks and reserves. Permits are free (except for areas which are designated Crown Land), and are valid for a 12 month period. To apply:
- Read our Recreational Trades in Open Space Policy
- Download and complete the application form
- Submit your form, along with the required documentation to us via post or email.
Please note: Completion of an application form does not guarantee availability of booking request.
Hot air balloon launch/landing permit applications
All hot air balloon operators must obtain a permit to launch and land in Darebin. Permitted locations are Mayer Park (Normanby Ave, Northcote) and CT Barling Reserve (Plenty Rd, Reservoir). Permits do attract a fee and are valid for a 12 month period. To apply:
- Read our Recreational Trades in Open Space Policy
- Download and complete the application form
- Submit your form, along with the required documentation to us via post or email.
Sporting Ground Audits
Our sports grounds are required to be irrigated under a Yarra Valley Water Allocation Program. We have been allocated 250 mega litres to irrigate sports grounds. Our audits monitor the condition of the grounds and playing fields every month. Sporting grounds are assessed using the following criteria:
- Hardness cracks, holes, damaged surfaces
- Grass areas-cover, vigour, height and evenness
- Wicket areas synthetic areas and grassed pitches
- Worn bare areas evenness and firmness
For Summer sports, a weighted score of 53 and greater indicates that the ground is safe to play on. Grounds that score less than 53 may be considered unsafe to play on and possibly closed to organised sport. For Winter sports, a weighted score of 48 and greater indicates that the ground is safe to play on. Grounds that score less than 48 may be considered unsafe to play on and could possibly be closed to organised sport.
We are working closely with local sports clubs to ensure the condition of the playing surface is monitored closely during the water restrictions. Both Council and local clubs conduct audits to check on the effects of the water restrictions to the grounds and act accordingly.
Further information