Let there be light: Lagoon Reserve users in the dark about safety measures at the park

A Port Melbourne soccer club’s players are training in darkness, with lighting upgrades for their oval at least two years away. And they say it jeopardises not only their safety, but that of all park users.

Port Phillip Spiders Soccer Club training in the dark at Lagoon Reserve.

Soccer players say they are risking injury and dodging potholes in the dark because of the lack of lighting at a Port Melbourne reserve.

Port Phillip Spiders Football Club president Adi Harcinovic said the reserve had only three lights — two on the pavilion and one on top of the barbecue area — which meant much of it was plunged into darkness after sundown.

“(When the lights are on) there is nowhere near enough light for a sporting oval,” Mr Harcinovic said.

“It’s dangerous for everyone. Anytime in winter after 5pm it’s too dark, even for dog walkers after work.

“You also can’t see the potholes which isn’t safe for playing soccer.”

Training in the dark. Picture: Josie Hayden

Mr Harcinovic said he did not feel comfortable holding women’s and children’s training sessions in the evenings due to the poor lighting.

“With everything that has recently happened to women in parks and sporting grounds at night we just want safer neighbourhoods for sporting and social reasons,” he said.

A 300-signature petition calling for the “continued use of the turning on the sport’s club training lights for all uses” at the reserve has been submitted to Port Phillip Council.

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“When they are switched off, nobody feels safe,” Mr Harcinovic said.

Port Phillip Mayor Dick Gross said the club was licenced to use the lights on an “as needs basis” at the council-owned reserve.

Cr Gross said a planned upgrade of the reserve — which the council had set aside $2.3 million for in its 2019/20 draft budget — would include cash for improved lighting.

Port Phillip Spiders Football Club coach Ben Doree with players training in the background. Picture: Josie Hayden

He said the upgrade would start in 2021, but defended the existing lighting.

“Lagoon Reserve is used by sporting clubs and is also a popular dog off leash park, with many dog walkers taking advantage of the lights in winter,” Cr Goss said.

“Given (the reserve’s) size, the lighting does not light the entire reserve”.

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