The first stage in a multimillion-dollar project transforming the Whittlesea Public Gardens in Lalor into a recreational space of regional significance has been officially unveiled.
The revamped park was opened on Wednesday, February 15 by Local Government Minister Melissa Horne and Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson, with Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny also in attendance.
Complementing the City of Whittlesea’s $2 million contribution was a matching $2 million grant from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund program.
Council said key features of the stage one upgrade include a new playground comprising play towers, swings, slides, a flying fox, rope climbing and in-ground trampoline.
Younger users can put their bike and scooter skills to the test on a new 400-metre learn-to-ride circuit, which includes roundabouts, speed bumps, intersections and crossings.
There is also an array of new features designed to make visits to the park a safe and comfortable experience, including picnic shelters, barbecues, seating and solar lighting.
The multi-stage process to transform the Barry Road community facility into an iconic regional park was first identified in a master plan adopted by council in 2018.
Ms Wilson said the redevelopment would ensure the park meets the needs of its surrounding communities for years to come.
“The Whittlesea Public Gardens have played an important role in the lives of Lalor and Thomastown residents for decades,” Ms Wilson said.
“But this redevelopment will transform the gardens into a regionally significant space where people of all ages and abilities can come to enjoy the outdoors.”
She said stage two of the redevelopment had already secured a further $650,000 contribution from the Growing Suburbs Fund.
Construction on the second stage will commence this year and feature a skate park, rock climbing wall, basketball courts, improved parking and more.
