Local sporting groups and the wider community are the big winners of the redevelopment, which includes a new two-storey community pavillion and a raft of open space improvements at the reserve.

Completion of the re-development of Shirley Strickland reserve into a sport and community centre with a $9.2 million upgrade supported by an $800,000 commitment by the State Government.

The improvements to Shirley Strickland Reserve include new sports field lighting, adjustments to the layout of playing areas, a softball back net, a synthetic cricket wicket and the redesign of reticulation systems.

The new external fitness path is 1.1km in length with distance markers on the solar lighting to assist in tracking distance and tying into the reserve wide homage to the late, great Olympic sprinter and hurdler Shirley Strickland.

New features at the reserve include a new nature play space, outdoor exercise equipment, a refurbished memorial plaque and new memorial tree, barbecues, seating and a half-court basketball court.

The five sporting clubs who use the reserve and form the Shirley Strickland Reserve Sporting Association (SSRSA) are Applecross Cricket Club, Applecross Mount Pleasant Junior Football Club, Fremantle Rebels Softball Club, Melville City Touch Association and the Southern Districts Gaelic Football Club.

The significant City of Melville project engaged with over 1,500 resident who lived in the surrounding streets of the reserve.  

This is an important commitment as public open space is vital to fostering strong community involvement and increase services to the Bateman community.