Draft concept designs have been released and early works are underway to deliver upgrades at You Yangs Regional Park and Serendip Sanctuary. The project is set to revitalise the precinct, with plans to elevate the visitor experience, improve park facilities and support the local economy.
Have your say on the draft concept designs
Several improvements are proposed across the precinct, including redesigned entrances and car parks to enable more people to experience the park, and upgraded picnic areas with new seating, barbecues, tables and accessible pathways.
Pictured above: The draft concept designs suggest creating new wildlife viewing spaces at Serendip Sanctuary, including lookouts at the lake and on the causeway.
At Serendip Sanctuary, proposed refurbishments to the Education Centre and North Arm learning area aim to create better opportunities for students. New and upgraded bird-viewing areas, upgrades to the Wetland Circuit Trail, and refurbishments of the predator-proof fence aim to enhance the wildlife viewing experience for visitors and provide better protection for resident wildlife.
At the You Yangs Regional Park, an extension to the Epic Loop Trail is proposed to provide mountain bikers with a longer track. A cultural interpretation space will also be considered, to offer visitors more opportunities to connect with Wadawurrung Country.
View the draft concept designs
Early works underway
The release of the designs follows the start of works on the new Serendip Sanctuary Sensory Garden which is suitable for people with diverse abilities.
Five spaces will be created in the sensory garden, each with a focus on one of the five senses - from brightly col-oured flora in the 'See' space, to textural vegetation in the 'Feel' space and edible bush foods in the 'Taste' space.
It will feature a variety of plants that are indigenous to the open grassy woodlands of the volcanic Western Plains, proving important food and habitat for native wildlife. Plants will be sourced from the local Wadawurrung Tradition-al Owners Aboriginal Corporation nursery, further supporting the local economy.
Pathways are designed to be flat, compact and of appropriate width for wheelchair access and those who are less able-bodied. Rest stops and quiet spaces are available to enable visitors to easily relax and explore the garden.
Parks Victoria has worked with disability services, schools, community groups and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to co-design the garden.
Early works will also see rehabilitation of the sanctuary's display pond. With major cracks and leaks, the pond has been empty in recent times. Restoration work will ensure both visitors and wildlife can continue to enjoy this beauti-ful attraction for years to come.
Both initiatives were identified during community consultation on the master plan for Serendip Sanctuary and the You Yangs Regional Park.
