Communities across Melbourne are to enjoy improved accessibility and a better visitor experience at their favourite parks as Parks Victoria begins work to deliver new and upgraded facilities at 21 urban parks.
Kicking off the upgrades, Parks Victoria said the works would see improvements to parks spanning from Point Cook to the Mornington Peninsula under its Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program.
It said the program would deliver new picnic shelters and tables, upgraded playground equipment, barbecues, signage, refurbished and upgraded toilets, wider and more accessible pathways, and car park and trail repairs.
“Parks and reserves play an important role in boosting the health and wellbeing of local communities across Victoria,” Parks Victoria said.
“Over recent years we’ve seen a significant increase in visitation at many of Melbourne’s parks, highlighting how important it is to maintain the quality of these spaces – whether for exercise, recreation or spending time with loved ones,” it said.
“The upgrades will support the health and wellbeing of urban communities by providing more opportunities for Melburnians to get active outdoors, spend time with friends and family and connect with nature.”
Parks Victoria said repairs to the seawall at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park had also started, which, once complete, would ensure the seawall and promenade were preserved for years to come.
It said many years of erosion from wind and waves had resulted in significant scouring behind the seawall and dislodging its bluestone blocks.
“A missing link in the Bay Trail at Point Cook will also be constructed to provide a faster, safer, off-road journey for pedestrians and cyclists travelling from Williamstown to Point Cook Coastal Park,” the parks Agency said.
“The new section of trail will be an elevated boardwalk-style path, designed in consideration for the surrounding Cheetham Wetlands.”
It said the trail would reduce a 3.8km detour down to just over 400 metres and include approximately 260 metres of shared-use path.
Parks said construction on the Bay Trail was expected to start in early 2023.
“Subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, and environmental and cultural heritage assessments, works for the program are expected to be completed in late 2023,” it said.
