Mace Oval (2009) - named after Ray 'Mick' Mace MM, BEM (M), who as a Sergeant at the Army Apprentices' School (AAS) at Balcombe, devised and largely constructed this oval.

With the declaration of World War 2 in 1939, the Australian Army decided to use the Balcombe Estuary area at Mount Martha as a training ground. In 1940 The Army 4th Division took over the area and including trainees, numbered about 3000 personnel.

After the Pearl Harbour attack by the Japanese in 1941 the US used the Balcombe Camp for rest and rehabilitation of American servicemen and it became Headquarters for the 1st Division of the US Marine Corps in 1942. They carried out beach landing exercises near Martha Point, using the ship HMAS Manoora.

After World War II, in 1947, The Army Apprentice School was established at the Balcombe Camp - they trained as plumbers, electricians, fitters and turners, mechanics and carpenters among other trades.

In 1967, Sgt "Mick" Mace borrowed a D4 bulldozer and flattened a hill in order to construct an oval for the Apprentices. He carried out the work in his own time, after hours. Mace Oval has since been given heritage status by the local Council.

In 1982 the Apprentices School was moved to northern Victoria and the area around Balcombe Reserve was turned into a housing estate and recreational park.