Whittlesea Public Gardens in Lalor has officially opened its first completed stage of a multimillion project designed to create a recreational space for City of Whittlesea residents.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne, City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson and Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny officially opened the transformed park on February 15.
The multi-stage process has transformed the Barry Road community facility into a regional park, which now features a new playground comprising play towers, swings, slides, flying fox, rope climbing and in-ground trampoline.
Young users can access a new 400-metre learn-to-ride circuit, which includes roundabouts, speed bumps, intersections and crossings.
Visits to the new park are now more comfortable and safe, with new features such as picnic shelters, barbecues, seating, and solar lighting.
Ms Wilson said the redevelopment would support 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,” she 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.”
Ms Wilson said council was thankful for the $2 million contribution from the State Government under its Growing Suburbs Fund program, which complemented the council’s $2 million contribution.
She said stage two had secured a further $650,000 contribution from the Growing Suburbs Fund.
Construction on the second stage will start this year and feature a skate park, rock climbing wall, basketball courts, improved parking and more.
