During the next 12 months, five parks will directly benefit from the funds, including Mernda Adventure Park, Whittlesea Public Gardens, Norris Bank Reserve, Redleap and Kelynack recreation reserves.
According to Lydia Wilson, Chair Administrator, being able to enhance and create the city's outdoor spaces contributes greatly in making the area a place for everyone. She added:
“Our parks are places for people of all ages to connect with each other, enjoy the outdoors and get active.”
In Mill Park, work on the Redleap Recreation Reserve is scheduled to begin later this year. Set for a mid-2022 completion, the park will benefit from a transformation that will make it suitable for all ages to enjoy and will also include upgraded picnic areas to enable medium or small-scale events. Events such as these are often locally advertised via flyer printing campaigns.
The playground at Kelynack Recreation Reserve is to be enlarged and its features upgraded, while a multi-use space for youth that includes a shelter, performance space and basketball court is designated for Norris Bank Reserve's western precinct.
Wilson said the money provided through the State Government's Growing Suburbs Fund is enabling cities such as Whittlesea to deliver important facilities and infrastructure for use by community members.