Doreen families have a reason to be excited as the Doreen Splash Park has taken a leap forward in its construction as the first sod on the site was turned on September 4.
Set to open next year, the park will provide a new playground and splash park at Hilltop Park.
The splash pad will be about 150 square metres in size with jets, misters, water channels and more.
The playground will include a play unit, which will include multiple slides, climbing nets and trampolines for older children, and another featuring a small cubby, slide and rocker for younger children.
The outdoor part of the park will also be getting upgraded as there will be the inclusion of logs, boulders and paths, a large picnic shelter, barbecue and an upgraded car park.
Whittlesea council chief executive Craig Lloyd was joined by McEwen MP Rob Mitchell and Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage to turn the first sod.
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell said that this future park will make an impact on the community.
“This will make a real difference for Doreen and surrounds, providing an exciting and accessible play space with splash pad for water play, an all-ages playground and an early childhood play area,” he said.
Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage said, “Every Victorian deserves easy access to much needed quality open space to exercise, relax or just enjoy the outdoors with family and friends – That’s why we’re hard at work delivering just that for the Doreen community. A place for families that’s fun and free is so important. It will be ready for my daughter’s birthday party next year – so she’s very excited.”
Whittlesea council is contributing $900,000 towards the project, with the federal government providing $1.5 million from its ‘Investing in Our Communities,’ program and the state government is also providing a $500,000 grant from its ‘Open Space for Everyone – Better Parks and Playgrounds’ program.
Construction is expected to begin in October 2024 and continue through until mid-2025.
