The enhancement of the park’s Moore Street entry was recommended as part of the Footscray Park Master Plan (2011), in which it advocated a:
“more extravagant, artful and eye catching entry feature incorporating the park name”.
Martin Zakharov, the City of Maribyrnong Mayor, said the park was iconic and one of the state’s most significant, adding:
“The Moore Street entrance was purely functional with little regard to the aesthetic of the gardens. As a result many people passing by were not aware of the Park’s abundant gardens and amenity. This new, grand entrance creates a true gateway to this magnificent gem, drawing people in to experience the wonders of the gardens.”
The new signage brings the Moore Street entry to prominence following road-widening works during the 1960s on Ballarat Road, which diminished the visibility of the park’s entrance and lowered it to below the level of the street.
A joint effort by Heritage Victoria and Council to plan new signage began three years ago for the Victorian State Heritage-listed gardens, with the objective to introduce a design that reflected its heritage significance.
Brochure printing by councils and tourism groups to promote local attractions often include heritage sites such as Footscray Park.
According to the Mayor, the new signage has boosted awareness of the special park’s value and presence.