Accessible upgrades to John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve pavilion

Council has approved a tender to proceed with upgrades to three buildings in the John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve pavilion in Oak Park.

The $1.6m allocation from the Capital Works budget will bring much-needed upgrades for community members and local and visiting sporting clubs to enjoy.

New female-friendly changerooms will be refurbished and clubroom toilets will be upgraded including a compliant disabled accessible toilet.

The East pavilion will include an externally accessible public toilet that can be operated independently of the changerooms.

Therry West pavilion will be refurbished with female friendly changerooms and new umpire room.

Mayor Cr Angelica Panopoulos said the new facilities in the pavilion are a welcome addition to the growing number of inclusive sporting and recreational spaces in Merri-bek.

“In Merri-bek we honour the importance of community spaces, particularly sporting clubs, demonstrating inclusivity.”

“This comes down to ensuring our local clubs have facilities that meet the needs of everybody – women, juniors, people with disability and people from culturally diverse communities.” 

“Our Active Women and Girls Strategy 2015 has seen female participation increase from 8% in 2009 to 23% in 2018. We expect to see this number continue to grow as we work with local sporting clubs to expand inclusive community spaces,” said Cr Panopoulos.

Works at JP Fawkner Reserve will commence in April 2023 and are expected to be completed by mid-year.  

Final designs have been approved after consultation with sporting clubs and local residents.