The diamond at Lara Baseball Club will be rotated 180 degrees under a $5.4m transformation

A local baseball club will have its diamond rotated 180 degrees with new synthetic turf and an ambulance next door under a $5.4m transformation.

Lara Baseball Club is set to embark on a sparkling new era complete with a synthetic infield, a pavilion and even an ambulance on site.

Under a major, three-stage $5.545m transformation at Lara Recreation Reserve, the club’s diamond will be rotated 180 degrees with a new infield boasting artificial grass and a pavilion with canteen, change rooms and shared function area — it will also service the local Aussie rules and cricket clubs.

The ground has been flipped to ensure fans can access the canteen near home plate.

However, in a further bonus, club president Jarrod Fraim said an old shed the Wildcats have used for years as a makeshift clubrooms will be upgraded and house a St John ambulance.

“A St John Ambulance volunteer service is going to use it as a base out in Lara, so they’ll store an ambulance there,” Fraim said.

Lara Baseball Club president Jarrod Fraim hopes to be playing at the new facilities by Round 1 next year. Picture: Alan Barber

“We’re going to have driveways upgraded, a new crushed rock car park area.”

Works began after the club’s last winter season and are expected to be completed by April, hopefully in time for Geelong Baseball Association’s start.

Netball and tennis facilities, at the south of the reserve, have already been built under stage one.

Fraim could barely hide his excitement when talking about 2024 and beyond.

“It’s pretty amazing and a long time coming,” he said.

Fraim cannot wait for new season to begin. Picture: Alan Barber

“This is a massive project.

“It’s the best thing since sliced bread to be honest with you ... we’ve had no facilities for 30 plus years and we’ve battled for everything.

“This project will give baseball the opportunity to grow and contribute to the continuing growth in Australia and with the last number of years of the revamped ABL providing the sport with much needed promotion.

Lara Baseball Club will get brand new facilities, 35 years after it was founded. Picture: Alan Barber

“It’s a breath of fresh air.

“It’s going to last us for many years to come and a new pavilion to call home.”

The club also put in an application with the City of Greater Geelong for $350,000 for new lighting with a decision to be made in February.

The project has been co-funded by the State Government and the local council, following the establishment of a master plan in 2019.

Originally published as The diamond at Lara Baseball Club will be rotated 180 degrees under a $5.4m transformation