A community backlash has erupted over Eagle Stadium, Wyndham council’s new name for the indoor courts at Werribee sports and fitness centre.
As revealed by Star Weekly, the complex, known as ‘The Rec Centre’ since it opened in 1978, is being rebadged as part of the centre’s $47 million redevelopment.
When complete, the state-of-the-art stadium will include 12 courts for sports such as netball, basketball, table tennis and badminton and be the largest indoor court facility in the western suburbs. It is due to open mid-year.
The campaign against the new name includes a petition and a “Not Eagle Stadium” Facebook page, which has already drawn more than 1300 members and scores of comments from angry centre users, including officials and junior basketball club members.
Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard last week said Eagle Stadium was chosen after community consultation, including surveys and focus groups over summer. However, many centre users claim they have not been asked.
Corpus Christi Basketball Club president Sebastien Wattelet put it succinctly, saying the name, Eagle Stadium “has no relevance to any sport, club or team that uses the facility”.
“Changing the identity of such an important, significant building for no apparent reason is beyond belief,” Wattelet said.
“It’s been a meeting point for thousands of residents over the years and all of them call it the Rec Centre.”
Hoppers Crossing Basketball Club president Mario Costa said the stadium’s new name was a major blunder.
He pointed out that several junior basketball teams across Melbourne already had ‘Eagles’ as their nickname.
The first stage of the centre’s redevelopment includes eight new indoor multi-sports courts, four outside netball courts and a cafe with inside and outside dining area.
A 1500-seat show court, health club, creche, new administration areas and improved function rooms will be added before the centre’s completion.
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