Pitcher Park Sportsground upgrade

As part of our ongoing commitment to community health and wellbeing, Council is proposing to deliver upgrades to Pitcher Park, located at 1 Keith Street, Alphington.

Why are we upgrading Pitcher Park?

Through consultation with tenant sports clubs and local user groups, we identified several areas of the park that could be improved. These upgrades will:

• enhance the experience for both players and spectators
• create a safer, more welcoming space for all users of Pitcher Park
• provide infrastructure that is safe and fit-for-purpose
• provide a more welcoming, safer and accessible area for the community to enjoy.

What benefits will the upgrades bring?

The planned upgrades are designed to meet modern sporting standards while supporting community needs. Our goal is to ensure that people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds have access to safe open spaces that encourage healthy, active, and social lifestyles.

Planned upgrades

Replacement of coach and players boxes

The current coach and players boxes are outdated and not fit-for-purpose.  Plans are being developed to replace the existing coach and players boxes with two new boxes in the same locations.

This upgrade will ensure safe, fit-for-purpose boxes, compliant with AFL community sport standards.  This project will be delivered in partnership with the Statement Government, which has promised up to $100,000 to support this upgrade.

Carpark sealing

Future plans for Pitcher Park include sealing the sportsground carpark, located at the corner of Mercil Road and Parklands Avenue. Sealing the carpark would provide a more welcoming, safer and accessible surface for sporting club participants and the wider community to access the ground and pavilion.

There will be eight marked parking bays to help improve vehicle flow and safety.

Pitcher Park oval surface renewal

The oval currently suffers from poor drainage and an uneven playing surface, with low-lying areas prone to water pooling including parts of the cricket pitch. These conditions pose safety risks for sporting participants and community members.

To address these issues, Council intends to undertake a full surface renewal of the oval. During the proposed construction, the oval would be cordoned off and unavailable for community access. Cricket training nets would remain accessible throughout the construction period.

Surface renewal works includes:

• strip and disposal of the top layer
• repair and renewal of drainage infrastructure
• earthworks (excavation, haulage, compaction, cut and fill as required)
• renewal of the synthetic cricket wicket
• installation of turf on a sand layer.

The design phase for the surface renewal at Pitcher Park is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed by June 2026. The construction phase is expected to commence shortly afterwards.

During ground renewal works, community members are encouraged to access McDonell Reserve in Clifton Street, Northcote and/or the Darebin Parklands dog off‑leash area.

These Pitcher Park upgrades will deliver a safer, high-quality, fit-for-purpose sports oval and surrounds for community members of all ages, genders, and backgrounds to enjoy.

Project timeline

Consultation

We’ve worked closely with key stakeholders, including:

• North Alphington Cricket Club
• Parkside Junior Football Club
• Parkside Senior Football Club
• Sport and Recreation Victoria
• relevant Council departments.

What to expect during construction

Coaches and players boxes

Minimal disruption with the coaches and players boxes area being cordoned off for safety.  The sportsground will remain fully accessible.

Carpark sealing

Temporary closure of the carpark with alternative access routes clearly marked.  The sportsground will remain fully accessible.

Oval renewal

Full closure of the sportsground during works. Cricket training nets will remain accessible throughout the construction period.

Alternative facilities are available at:

• McDonell Reserve, Northcote
• Darebin Parklands dog off‑leash area.

Building sites and construction noise must comply with the law to ensure they minimise disruption to the community.  Please see the neighbouring construction webpage for more information.

Questions or feedback?

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Allison Ryan, Acting Recreation Liaison Officer, on 8470 8898 or via email leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au.