THE Pedrina Park Inclusive Sports Hub (PPISH) is now officially open, with the plaque unveiled on Thursday by Southern Grampians Shire Council acting mayor, David Robertson.

The multi-use, female-friendly sporting facility offers state-of-the-art amenities and change rooms, public toilets, storage, meeting spaces, social and spectator viewing areas, a commercial kitchen and first aid facilities.

Cr Robertson said Council were thrilled to officially open the facility.

“PPISH was identified as a major priority in Council’s Recreation and Leisure Strategic Plan and the Pedrina Park Master Plan,” he said.

“It was a long time in the planning phase and has been a significant build, so we are excited to be able to officially share the completed building with our community.

“We worked closely with all user groups of Pedrina Park to create this multi-use sporting and community facility to be an inclusive sports hub that can cater to all levels of ability, mobility and gender.

“Flexible change rooms provide unisex spaces that offer inclusive health and wellbeing opportunities, as well as the chance to increase female participation in sport across the Southern Grampians.

“There are new community meeting spaces, better storage, and improved viewing areas which we can’t wait to see in use over the coming months.”

PPISH supports a variety of sports, including netball, hockey, soccer, cricket and football, enabling the facility to be used by a diverse mix of community members.

The building also has the capacity to accommodate community and social activities, including functions, meetings and events.

The Pedrina Park precinct has undergone significant transformation over the past two years through the delivery of the Master Plan.

In addition to the new PPISH, the automatic irrigation systems were installed on the ovals; and the redevelopment of the netball courts is almost complete, including lights and fencing which will be finalised in time for the upcoming summer season.

“Our recent upgrades have really made Pedrina Park one of the premier sporting precincts in the region and is something we can be proud of as a community,” Cr Robertson said.

“We thank the State Government for their support of this facility through Sports and Recreation Victoria’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.”

Council committed approximately $1 million to the project, which was supported by $500,000 from the Sports and Recreation Victoria’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.