Gisborne and District Bowling Club can welcome more players all-year-round following the opening of a new synthetic rink at the club on April 5.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas officially opened the new rink which replaced the old turf green and ensures the club has two year-round bowling greens.
The $568,336 upgrades will also reduce ongoing green maintenance costs for the club and enable them to expand their usage.
Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death thanked the state government for its contribution to the upgrades and for supporting recreational activities in the shire.
“Activities such as these provide opportunities for socialisation and inclusion within our community, as well as physical activity, all of which is positive for our health and wellbeing,” she said.
“Council would also like to thank and acknowledge the dedication shown and time spent on the project by Gisborne and District Bowling Club.
“[The clubs] hard work is one of the main reasons these upgrades were able to happen.”
Council said the old natural turf green was past its prime and beginning to deteriorate, while climate conditions in the Macedon Ranges meant it was only able to be used for around half the year.
It is anticipated the new synthetic green will increase participation levels by about 30 per cent, due to the additional time the facility will now be available for use, council said.
Other upgrades include new fencing, retaining wall and drainage, shade structures, seating, scoreboards, and rink markers.
