Olinda Precinct Project Stage One

Project status

Timeline image of the Olinda Stage 1 project, as at December 2023. Construction of netball and cricket facilities started in early 2023, and are expected to be complete in early 2024. 

Works to build the new and improved netball courts and cricket practice nets are in progress: 

  • The netball courts are nearing completion; concrete has been poured, fencing and a new shelter have been installed, and line marking and installation of the acrylic surface on the new court will be completed in December.
  • The concrete slab for the cricket practice nets, storage shed and shelter has been poured, the fencing and frames are in place, and the synthetic grass has been applied. The storage shed and soft-netting are expected to be completed in December.

 

The project timeline is subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions.

Last updated: December 2023


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The project

This project is being delivered on Wurundjeri Country. 

The former Olinda Golf Course is located in the Dandenong Ranges, between the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden and R. J. Hamer Arboretum, 50 kilometres east of Melbourne.

The Olinda Precinct Plan was developed in consultation with the community, with the aim of transforming the site into a 34-hectare open-space site for recreation.

We’re now delivering the Olinda Precinct Plan to provide more opportunities for the community to connect with nature and make the most of this fantastic location.

Stage one of the Olinda Precinct Project is providing more opportunities for visitors to get active in nature, and is being delivered in sections:

Nature-based playscape (completed July 2019)
Designed for children and families of all ages and abilities, a new nature-based playscape was completed in July 2019, along with new barbecues, picnic facilities, shelters, seating and a new toilet block. A dedicated dog-off lead area and a series of walking trails were also constructed.

Sporting oval and Olinda Green (completed June 2020)
A flat open grass area with walking paths, suitable for a market, events space and other recreation was completed in June 2020.
 
Netball and cricket facility upgrades (construction in progress) 
The project involves refurbishing the existing netball court and constructing a new netball court, supporting infrastructure including lights and shelter, and four new cricket practice nets. These new and upgraded facilities will provide more opportunities for people to connect with each other, get active in nature and participate in community sport.  
 

Environmental and cultural heritage assessments will inform exactly where, when and how components of the project are delivered.

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Olinda Precinct Project Stage 1: Netball courts


This project involves refurbishing the existing netball court and constructing a new netball court, as well as building supporting infrastructure including lights and shelter. These images show the construction progress.

The new netball court at Olinda Recreation Reserve. Concrete has been poured, and a new shelter has been installed. The acrylic surface is yet to be installed.
The existing netball court at the Olinda Recreation Reserve. Its surface is red and green in colour, and it is surrounded by a construction fencing and tall trees. It is adjacent to the oval.
The new netball courts at Olinda Rec Reserve have been filled, and the subgrade has been compacted and tested to meet compliance.
The construction of the new netball courts - a large concrete slab has been poured, and is currently surrounded by temporary fencing. In the background is the oval and large trees.
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Olinda Precinct Project Stage 1: Cricket practice nets


The project involves building four new cricket practice nets, a storage shed and a shelter beside the oval at Olinda Recreation Reserve. These images show the construction progress. 

The new cricket practice nets at Olinda Recreation Reserve, with new synthetic grass and nets installed.
Photo of the space where upgrades will be made as part of the Olinda Precinct project.
The concrete slab being poured to provide the base for the new cricket practice nets.
Form work and preparation for a concrete slab has been completed. This will form the base of the cricket storage shed and shelter alongside the new cricket practice nets.
The construction of the cricket practice nets - a large concrete slabs sits on top of mud. Tall, black steel poles are erected around the boundary, where the net will be installed.
The construction of the cricket practice nets - a large concrete slabs sits on top of dirt. Tall, black steel poles are erected around the boundary, and net has been installed around the frame.

Project benefits

Visitors

Visitors to the Olinda Precinct and Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden will have more opportunities to participate in community sport, connect with nature, and enjoy time in the park with friends and family of all ages and abilities.

Environment

The projects being undertaken at the Olinda Precinct will ensure native vegetation is maintained. Sports users will benefit from shade from the surrounding trees and the aesthetic of the natural environment around them during practice and games.

Community 

Three phases of community consultation were undertaken during the development of the Olinda Precinct Plan and we’re now delivering on what we heard from the community through this process.

The new facilities at the Olinda Precinct aim to provide more opportunities for people to get active in nature through community sport and a place for families and friends to meet, play, picnic and connect to the natural surroundings in beautiful Olinda.


Project funding

The Victorian Government has invested $7.67 million to deliver the stage one works at the Olinda Precinct. 

 

Environment and cultural heritage management

Parks Victoria have an approved Cultural Heritage Contingency Plan issued via our Managing Country Together Team, to ensure that any Aboriginal cultural heritage is managed carefully and appropriately if discovered during works.


Who are we working with?

Sport and Recreation Victoria 
Yarra Ranges Council 

 

Access changes

Works to construct the new and upgraded netball and cricket facilities at the Olinda Recreation Reserve have started. During this time, there will be some changes to public access and parking, including:

  • Access to the existing cricket nets at the eastern end of the reserve will be closed.
  • There will be reduced car parking available.
  • The main entrance to the Reserve will be closed. Visitors can still access the netball courts and amenities via the Georgian Road.

 

For more information contact the Parks Victoria team at engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963.    

 

Staying updated

For updates on this project and other news from the area, subscribe here.

 

Related information 

 

FAQs

What works are being completed as part of the Olinda Precinct Stage 1 project? 

We are refurbishing the existing netball court and constructing a new netball court, supporting infrastructure including lights and shelter, and four new cricket practice nets.

In 2019, an all-abilities nature-based playscape was completed, along with new barbecues, picnic facilities, shelters, seating and a new toilet block. A dedicated dog-off lead area and a series of walking trails were also constructed. 

In 2020, a sporting oval and Olinda Green were completed, featuring a flat open grass area with walking paths, suitable for a market, events space and other recreation. 

Why are you upgrading the netball and cricket facilities at the Olinda Recreation Reserve? 

We're delivering new and refurbished netball courts and cricket nets at the Olinda Recreation Reserve, to upgrade the existing facilities and provide more opportunities for the community to connect, get active and participate in sport. 

Will the construction of the new netball court and cricket net refurbishment have an impact on the netball, cricket or football competition seasons in 2022 and 2023?

We are working closely with Yarra Ranges Council to ensure impacts (if any) to the sporting calendar are kept to a minimum. We will work with Yarra Ranges Council to communicate with local sporting groups about any potential impacts.  

How many cricket nets will be available once construction is complete? 

There will be four public practice wickets. 

What other works are happening as part of the implementation of the Olinda Precinct Plan?

There are a number of exciting works completed and planned to uplift the Olinda Precinct, including:

  • Olinda Precinct Stage 2: Stage two will include further improvements to the site and visitor experience, including better carparking, drainage, access pathways and replacing the former golf clubhouse with a new food and beverage offering and new toilets. Find out more about these works.
  • Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda 
    Phillip Johnson’s re-creation of the Chelsea Flower Show award-winning ‘Australian Garden’ exhibit is complete and now open at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. The new garden is 20 times the size of the original Chelsea Flower Show build, converting a section of the former Olinda Golf Course into a stunning botanic garden, supporting biodiversity and habitat creation for native plants and wildlife. Find out more. 

How can I stay up-to-date with project progress? 

You can subscribe for updates on the Olinda Precinct project. 

Who can I contact for more information?  

If you have questions or want to learn more about a project, you can call the Parks Victoria team on 13 19 63 or email us at engage@parks.vic.gov.au.   

 

 

 


 

 

 

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