Minister Announces Grant for Chris Lane Memorial Field
Minister for Sport, The Hon John Eren MP has announced a $100,000 State government contribution to the Chris Lane Memorial Field project at Boeing Reserve in Strathmore Heights.
The funding commitment will allow the Moonee Valley City Council to create the first purpose-built Little League baseball field in Australia in what is already a thriving baseball hub.
The announcement follows earlier funding commitments to the project from Major League Baseball and the Essendon Baseball Club’s #CL40 coterie group, as well as a commitment from Musco Lighting Australia to provide the lights for this exciting new sports venue.
In addition, the Moonee Valley City Council and architect and friend of EBC, Mark Ellis, have contributed an enormous amount of time, skill and energy in getting the project to the point where funding was the last piece of the puzzle.
Chris Lane Memorial Field is named after young Essendon Baseball Club player and City of Moonee Valley resident, Chris Lane, who was tragically killed in August 2013 when in Oklahoma USA on a baseball scholarship. Chris was preparing for his senior year at East Central University in Ada and visiting his girlfriend in Duncan when he was shot while jogging on a quiet street.
Chris’ parents, Peter and Donna, and his siblings and their children attended the announcement by the Minister.
Also attending were the local member, Danny Pearson MP and Councillor John Sipek, Mayor of the Moonee Valley City Council – both driving forces behind the Chris Lane Memorial Field. Cr Sipek was joined by fellow Councillors, Deputy Mayor Samantha Byrne, Richard Lawrence and Narelle Sharp.
Baseball Australia CEO, Cam Vale and General Manager, Musco Lighting Australia, Rick Sneed represented their respective organisations – both integral to the success of the project.
The significance of Chris Lane Field is far greater than it being the first Little League field in Australia. It is a fitting legacy for a young man who will forever be remembered as someone who displayed the qualities that the Essendon Baseball Club and the residents of Moonee Valley hold dear.
Construction is expected to commence in the first half on 2019.
