Mornington: Dallas Brooks Reserve - Sport Fields, Carpark & Playground

Project typeOpen Spaces and Reserves
Project value$9 Million overall

Dallas Brooks Reserve is one of the main sporting reserves servicing the township of Mornington and is home to the Mornington Soccer Club and the Beleura Junior Sports Club.

The current soccer and AFL playing fields have poor surface and soil conditions, as well as poor drainage resulting in increased damaged. There are also problems with the surface shapes, levels, and size compliance.

The project will upgrade the playing surfaces to the required standards for soccer, AFL and Cricket as well as make sure that the playing fields can cope with a high level of sports use.

The local community will benefit from safe, accessible and high-quality recreation spaces. They will also be provided with upgraded and additional car parking, and a new playground will be constructed.

The project will be completed in stages.

Stage 1 completed - AFL Oval Reconstruction

Stage 2 Current - (Soccer Fields)

Construction is scheduled to commence at the end of September, following the conclusion of the soccer season, to minimise disruption to community sporting activities.

Community Update: Soccer Pitch Redevelopment Project

The Soccer Pitch Redevelopment Project continues to progress. The project will deliver a significantly upgraded soccer facility, including:

Demolition of existing infrastructure
Ground improvement works using Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)
Construction of a full-size NPL-standard competition pitch and additional community pitches with new natural turf surfaces
Installation of drainage, irrigation, fencing and retaining walls
Construction of a new car park with accessible parking spaces, connecting pathways and landscaping
Installation of sports field lighting to premier league standards

Current Construction Progress

Construction commenced in December 2025, and several key milestones have been achieved:

Old infrastructure demolished and removed from site
RIC compaction works complete
Installation of main drainage pits and stormwater pipes for the stormwater network has been completed.
Trenching and installation of electrical conduits, and light towers complete
Irrigation ring main line works in progress
Footpath and carpark work in progress

Key Challenges

The project team continues to manage several site-related challenges, including:

Discovery and removal of asbestos during excavation works
Ongoing asbestos management requirements
Persistent wet weather and saturated ground conditions restricting earthworks activities
Increased ground settlement

These issues have been incorporated into the current construction program and continue to be closely monitored.

Upcoming Works

The following works are scheduled over the coming months:

Pitch Perimeter works, which includes footpath construction, irrigation ring main, kerb & channel, drainage system.
Once perimeter works complete, it will lead to irrigation & drainage lines works inside playfield area.
Commissioning of sports and carpark lighting
Installation of Turf and establishment period
Carpark construction from Watts Road entry

Project Timeline

Construction is currently scheduled for completion in May 2027, followed by a 16-week turf establishment period to allow the playing surfaces to mature and establish appropriately. Project handover is anticipated in September 2027.

The current construction program has been updated to incorporate delays experienced to date. However, the full extent of ongoing impacts, particularly those associated with weather conditions and ground treatment requirements, is still being assessed. Further revisions to the project schedule may be necessary as the remaining impacts become clearer.

Council will continue to provide updates as construction progresses. Once complete, the redeveloped facility will provide a high-quality soccer venue that supports community participation, player development and higher-level competition opportunities for the region.

Date / Period	Milestone
December 2025	Construction commenced
August - October 2026	Perimeter works along all 4 pitches Works include footpath, kerb & channel, drainage pits, and irrigation ring main
November/December 2026	Carpark construction and carpark lighting
January 2027	Commissioning of sports lighting
February 2027	Irrigation and drainage lines inside sports fields
March 2027	Gravel and root zone layer placement
April 2027	Installation of turf and misc. items
May 2027	Construction completion and Site clean-up
May – September 2027	16-week turf establishment period
September 2027	Anticipated project handover and opening

The current timeline includes delays experienced to date, including wet weather, asbestos management requirements and ground settlement issues.
The full impact of ongoing delays is still being assessed and further revisions to the construction program may be required.
Council will continue to provide updates as key milestones are achieved.