Construction has started on two renewed ovals at Jells Park in Melbourne’s south-east.

Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos and Member for Glen Waverley John Mullahy launched the construction project at a recent sod-turning event.

In attendance were the Jells Park local team and the ICP team as well as stakeholders from Monash City Council. Also present were representatives from Hendrickson Constructions, the specialist sports field constructors carrying out the project.

The project will rejuvenate Jells Park’s northern and southern sporting grounds by upgrading existing ovals – The Ashes and The Oaks. Fit-for-purpose synthetic cricket pitches will be installed so they can be used by local clubs during Melbourne’s busy cricket season.

The ovals are being upgraded through a $4 million investment by the Victorian Government that will provide more opportunities for the community to get active outdoors.

Tim Carver, Area Chief Ranger for Lower Yarra and Dandenong Valley Parklands, expects that the renewed ovals to be warmly embraced by cricketers as well as the community more broadly.

“Jells Park’s upgraded sports fields will provide a range of benefits to local cricket clubs throughout the busy summer season, but also to the broader community. These fantastic green spaces will offer a range of opportunities for people of different skills and ages to get active outdoors all year round,” Mr Carver said.

The project is also building a small pavilion to house player facilities. Construction on the pavilion will begin in spring and the building will be completed in the early 2026.

In addition to cricket clubs, the broader sports fields have been designed to accommodate a range of different sports and recreational activities – meaning they can be enjoyed by the whole community all year round.

Minister Dimopoulos and Member for Glen Waverley John Mullahy pose for a photo with the project contractors, Parks Victoria project managers and local rangers.

The ovals add to a range of projects taking place at Jells Park to keep the site a special place for Melburnians to get into nature.

Two new shared-use trails have recently opened in the park, providing opportunities for walkers, runners and cyclists to meander through nature, while preserving important habitat for local flora and fauna.

 

Parks Victoria has replaced two jetties at Jells Park, and the Oaks playground has also been recently renewed. These upgrades are part of the Asset Regeneration Program, a $24.76 million investment to remove unsafe infrastructure and to repair or replace assets across the Parks Victoria managed sites.