Coughlin Park Bowls Club will have two new synthetic greens installed after Horsham Rural City Council successfully applied for Victorian Government funding.
The club, the last in Horsham with all grass greens, will receive $250,000 in state funding to upgrade to the modern alternative.
Council will contribute $10,000 from its annual Community Development Grants Program and Coughlin Park is providing $104,900.
In addition to the two synthetic greens, the club will also ensure the venue has all-abilities access, with ramps to be built as part of the development.
Mayor Mark Radford said HRCC applied for the funding on behalf of the bowls club during February this year.
“Over the past five years, bowling clubs within Horsham have transitioned from lawn greens to synthetic surfaces for a number of reasons including drought and water supply issues, maintenance costs, burden on ageing volunteers, all year round useability, and ability to engage qualified and experienced green keepers,” Cr Radford said.
“Council has also supported successful funding applications through Sport and Recreation Victoria for the installation of two synthetic greens at Horsham City Bowling Club and Sunnyside Bowling Club. Horsham Golf Bowls Club have recently transitioned their single green from grass to synthetic,” he said.
Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford announced the funding this week during a video conference with Cr Radford, members of Coughlin Park Bowls Club and Council staff.
Meanwhile HRCC has received a $30,000 grant to undertake a multi-sport precinct feasibility study.
The study will examine various options for the development of indoor and outdoor regional sporting facilities in Horsham, including the location of a Wimmera Indoor Sports Stadium.
