By Parker McKenzie
Yarra Ranges Council has awarded a $4 million construction project for a new urban park at Belsay Reserve, which will include an urban forest, playspace, enhanced wetlands area, open spaces and more.
At the council meeting on Tuesday 23 May, councillors voted to award the tender for the construction of the Chirnside Urban Park to Warrandale Industries, at a cost of $4,137,557.25.
Cr Roy Higgins said the urban park has been on his agenda for many years and is “long overdue.”
“It’s one of the most essential parks probably in the municipality, into the future with the higher density that’s going to happen in Chirnside Park,” he said.
“It was actually really good that we got the number of people tendering for this that we did, we had a number of tenders and the evaluation team evaluated.”
Planning for the park started in late 2019 with community consultation and the council later bought land next to Kimberley Drive to facilitate the park.
Cr Len Cox said he agreed with Cr Higgins and there is little open space in the suburb.
“This is just what Chirnside Park needs. It’s just a pity is taken so long, Councillor Higgins, but it’s good to get here soon,” he said.
“It will be something that will be the center of activity in Chirnside Park for many, many years to come.”
The Chirnside Urban Park is being funded by a $1.2 million council contribution, a $2 million grant from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and money from the Public Open Space Fund.
Cr Tim Heenan said he remembers discussing urban park plans with Cr Higgins in 2008 when he was just a candidate in council elections.
“Councillor Higgins has been passionate for the 15 years that I’ve known him on council,” he said.
“It’s been a long time coming and I certainly know that the people of Chirnside Park will thank him abundantly when the time comes.”
The motion to award the tender passed unanimously.
“Key elements” of the Urban Park listed by the council include an urban forest zone for nature play and discovery, a regional-level play space with a multi-level structure and play elements for all ages and abilities, enhancing the existing wetlands area to integrate with other proposed activity areas, an urban parkland zone with flexible open space and a shelter with barbeque facilities, a hardstand zone for junior bike play or catering van use during events, amenities including accessible car parking and public toilets and general park features including a lit path network, picnic shelters, lawn areas and trees for shade.
Belsay Reserve is located on the corner of Kimberley Drive and Black Springs Road, Chirnside Park.
For more information on the Chrinside Urban Park, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Engage-Yarra-Ranges/Chirnside-Urban-Park-Draft-Master-Plan
