Construction is underway on sun-protective shades at the Sunbury Softball Association clubhouse, providing players and spectators protection from the elements.
With funding from Hume council and the Millett Family Community Grants program in 2023, two protective shades are under construction at the clubhouse in the John McMahon Reserve – one next to the club rooms, and the other between the two playing diamonds.
Construction began at the end of February and is expected to be completed in about six weeks.
Association secretary Julie Baxter, who applied for the grants on behalf of the association, said that the new shades will be an important addition for both players and spectators.
She said that in the past, issues caused by a lack of shade included mothers not being able to feed their babies between or after games in an undercover environment due to all undercover seats being occupied by players and spectators.
“Because we’ve got a lot of new members who have young families and young children, and we’ve also grown in our juniors … we recognise the importance of that shade,” Ms Baxter said.
“It just makes for a nicer setting for everybody to be able to enjoy the shade … after the game members can come together and enjoy the shade in a social setting near the clubroom as well.
“It also brings the attention from the Sunbury community that Sunbury Softball is here, and our new vibrant committee is committed to growing our association.”
The association is aiming to increase club membership numbers this year, hoping to also construct batting and pitching runs attached to the sides of the playing diamonds.
Oscar Parry
