Pitcher Park sports ground upgrade

As part of our ongoing commitment to community health and wellbeing, Council is upgrading 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.

Completed upgrades

Replacement of coach and players boxes

This upgrade is now complete. Two new coach and players boxes have been installed.

This upgrade ensures safe, fit-for-purpose boxes, compliant with AFL community sport standards. This project was delivered in partnership with the State Government.

Carpark sealing

This project is now complete. The sports ground carpark, located at the corner of Mercil Road and Parklands Avenue, has now been sealed. Sealing the carpark provides a more welcoming, safer and accessible surface for sporting club participants and the wider community to access the ground and pavilion. There are eight marked parking bays to help improve vehicle flow and safety.

Upgrades currently underway

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 is undertaking a full surface renewal of the oval. During construction, the oval will be cordoned off and unavailable for community access. Cricket training nets remain accessible throughout the construction period.

Surface renewal works include:

• 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. 

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 

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.