Jells Park Sports Fields
Project status
Project timeline is subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, and relevant assessments.
Current status: Initial design ideas for the small pavilion and ovals have been developed and are currently being reviewed and costed.
Last updated: April 2024
The project
We are activating Jells Park’s northern and southern grounds by upgrading two cricket ovals – ‘the Ashes’ and ‘the Oaks’.
The fit-for-purpose synthetic pitches are being designed so they can be used by clubs in the City of Monash during the busy local cricket season.
The open green fields will also accommodate a range of other sports and recreational activities – ensuring they can be enjoyed by the whole community year-round.
Additionally, a small pavilion will be constructed to house change rooms for all genders, umpire facilities and a toilet for players.
Jells Park is a much-loved park located in Melbourne’s south-east on Wurundjeri Country. Its fantastic green spaces, picnic areas, playscapes and all abilities features make it one of Melbourne’s most popular parks, hosting close to a million visitors each year. The Victorian Government has invested more than $13 million to deliver a range of projects across Jells Park, ensuring visitors continue to enjoy this special location.
Project benefits
Visitors and community
The sports fields will provide the community with more opportunities to get active outdoors. While the ovals can be used for a range of sporting activities, they will also offer much-needed space for local cricket clubs to schedule matches throughout the season.
Project funding
The Victorian Government is investing $4 million to deliver the new sports fields and pavilion at Jells Park.
Environment and cultural heritage management
Parks Victoria works with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation on all Jells Park projects. The Corporation will be contacted during the planning of the sports fields and during the statutory approval process as required.
Environmental impacts will be minimised wherever possible for this project.
Putting safety first
Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks.
While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.
Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually.
We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe.
When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.
Who are we working with?
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Access changes
Currently, there are no temporary access changes.
Any change of conditions will be updated on this project page and the park page.
Staying updated
To keep up-to-date with news on projects being undertaken across Jells Park, sign up for updates here.
Related information
News September 2023: Transforming Jells Park sports fields
FAQs
How will the new sport fields be used?
Monash City Council will be leasing the ovals from Parks Victoria. This provides the Council with more space to schedule cricket matches within the municipality, and also helps to re-activate of the open green space for the local community to enjoy.
Can anyone use the sports fields?
During times when no cricket matches are scheduled, the community are welcome to use the sport fields while visiting Jells Park. Groups wanting to schedule events on the ovals will need to enquire with Monash City Council.
Will bins be installed at the ovals?
In keeping with Park Victoria’s ‘carry in, carry out’ policy, no bins will be installed as part of this project.
When will the project be completed?
Delivering projects in Victoria’s special landscapes can be a complex and lengthy process. Relevant assessments guide exactly what, where and when we are able to deliver, and sometimes we are impacted by on-ground and industry conditions.
Works on the Jells Park sports fields are expected to be completed in late 2024. The small pavilion is forecast for completion in mid-2025.
How will the sports fields be maintained?
Monash City Council will coordinate the maintenance of the sports fields and associated facilities.