A $1-million transformation of Kilmore’s Ryans Creek Reserve was given the tick of approval by councillors, state politicians and, most importantly, children at an opening this month.
The reserve, in Kilmore’s booming west housing precinct, now features play equipment, a basketball half-court, picnic areas, a barbecue, connecting pathways and solar lighting.
The upgrades were funded through the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund in 2018-19, and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes was on hand to celebrate the park’s official opening on March 12.
Ms Symes said the upgrades would provide a social meeting point for residents of western Kilmore.
“Ryans Creek Reserve is a large parcel of land that is right next to the fast-growing western part of Kilmore, so there is a lot of housing development and a lot of families,” she said.
“It was pretty much a paddock last year, so it was one of my personal priorities. Having a park that’s large and attractive – other than just Hudson Park – for a community like Kilmore was a good investment. Over the years it will become a really good place for the people in that area to come together.”
Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said she was proud council could provide access to quality parks for the area’s residents.
“It’s great for their physical and mental health and it helps bring people together and create a real sense of community,” she said.
“The Ryans Creek Reserve activation project will help improve the area as a community gathering space – a key site in Kilmore’s open space network.
“Longer term, the reserve will form part of a larger, connected network of parks for our growing residential areas in Kilmore’s west.”
Ms Symes said the park was sure to be popular with families.
“There are barbecue areas and shade facilities, so it’s a pretty cool little place for people to come together. My kids were certainly happy to entertain themselves there while we were there,” she said.
“Since I’ve been elected, $21 million of state money has gone to projects in the community between Broadford and Beveridge, and a lot of them are for projects focused on families – community centres and the like.
“It’s always great working with Mitchell Shire Council. We have similar priorities in terms of what we want to support.”
More information on the Growing Suburbs Fund is available at www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants/growing-suburbs-fund.
