Whittlesea council has endorsed a new master plan to revitalise Epping’s Lowalde Recreation Reserve, paving the way for a major upgrade of one of the suburb’s key community spaces.
Located on the south-eastern edge of Epping, the reserve is surrounded by homes and sits within walking distance of Greenbrook’s Primary School, kindergarten, its community house and the local shops.
The site currently features a central lawn with a cricket pitch, areas of native vegetation and a small playground.
While the oval is formally designated as a training ground under a club agreement, it is rarely used due to its poor surface quality. It is also used informally by a separate cricket group without a formal arrangement.
The council’s master planning process included two phases of community consultation, with the second phase engaging 71 participants through online surveys and in-person pop-up sessions.
Community priorities included upgraded play spaces, outdoor fitness equipment, better lighting and car parking, as well as enhanced sporting facilities –including a new walking and running loop – improved lighting and safety measures, new toilets and picnic facilities, a basketball half court, and enhancements to the sports field.
Vegetation will be preserved and added to, with landscaping designed to encourage passive surveillance and improve overall amenity.
Council officers said the plan strikes a balance between supporting informal community use and maintaining the reserve’s sporting role.
Cr David Lenberg praised the plan’s ability to respond to community needs.
“A lot of the residents I speak to are concerned about the age of some of the parks and facilities within the area. This speaks to that, so I’m really pleased that we’re supporting this,” he said.
The next step will involve finalising the business case for the project so it can be considered for inclusion in council’s long-term financial plan.
Councillors acknowledged the role of local residents in shaping the master plan, formally thanking community members and stakeholders who provided feedback during the consultation phases.
