CRESWICK residents will have more opportunities to get physically active thanks to a boost to sport and recreation facilities in the area.

Hepburn Shire Council will receive $60,000 through a community facility funding program that will go towards Mt Prospect Tennis Association facility upgrades at the Park Lake Reserve.

Friends of Creswick's Park Lake Botanical Reserve president Bob Orr congratulated the Mt Prospect Tennis Association for its hard work in planning and for its partnership with the reserve group.

"Mt Prospect Tennis Association has done a lot of work in partnership with the reserve group. It was a tremendous effort," Mr Orr said.

He said the funding would benefit the entire Creswick community, not just tennis players.

"The park will grow even more in status. A rotunda, barbecue area and a practice wall will also be developed."

Member for Ballarat East Geoff Howard said it was crucial local sporting clubs had adequate facilities to give more people the opportunity to get active.

"This funding will encourage greater participation in physical activity by creating more opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved in the Creswick community."

Mr Howard said sports clubs and the wider Hepburn Shire community would welcome the funding, which came from the 2007-2008 State Government community facility funding program.

"Quality, accessible community sport and recreation facilities play an important role in building stronger communities across the state," Mr Howard said.

"We want to make it easier for the community to stay involved in the sports and activities they love, and to lead healthy and active lifestyles."

Minister for Sport and Recreation James Merlino said the project in Creswick was one of 116 projects across Victoria to receive State Government funding under the $4thmillion program. "This funding program supports the ongoing

needs of communities by helping local councils provide quality sport and recreation facilities for their communities, encouraging people to get physically active," he said.