Closed temporarily to allow for the removal of a level crossing in Toorak Road, the oval within Sir Zelman Cowen Park is set to receive a major upgrade that council members believe will benefit both sporting and leisure users.
The cricket pitch and turf oval will be reinstated and include upgraded irrigation and drainage. The plans will also see the addition of new spectator and general use seating, along with landscaping and tree planting works. Cyclists and pedestrians are also catered for with upgraded shared pathways, while a buffer of new fencing will be placed between leisure and sporting users.
Stonnington City Council is also considering the installation of floodlighting to help improve oval access for casual and junior sports participants.
According to a council spokesperson, the preliminary design for the lighting advocates for two 25m poles with low-spill light towers to be positioned on the oval's western side, where they will face away from homes. He added:
“Sports ground floodlighting is predominantly used in Stonnington during the winter season to increase access for sporting teams and casual users."
A graphic design of the concept plan and proposed lighting is available via the council website.
The council is also considering the need for additional parking at the oval.