The first sod has been turned on a project designed to make it easier for residents to enjoy the expanses of Whittlesea Township Park.
City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson joined Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage MP on Thursday 6 June 2024 to officially start the works.
The $1 million project will provide users of all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy 620 metres of new pedestrian and cycle paths.
Access to and through the park was identified by community and stakeholders during consultation on the park's master plan as one of the most pressing areas of improvement.
The 2.5-metre-wide paths, which will be usable in all weather conditions, will not only benefit walkers, runners and cyclists, but cater to people with prams and mobility aids too.
The project will see the existing timber bridge replaced with a 10-metre long, 4.5-metre-wide concrete bridge installed over Plenty River providing access for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles.
Eastern Hill residents will be among the beneficiaries as the bridge will allow direct pedestrian access to the township's commercial, community and educational facilities.
There will also be seated rest stops installed along the paths, improved street and solar lighting, updated wayfinding and map-based signage, native tree planting and works to alleviate overland flooding issues.
Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said Council was committed to ensuring its open spaces were maximised to give residents every opportunity to enjoy healthy, active lifestyles.
"By removing some of the common barriers to exercise we will see more people out and about enjoying what Whittlesea Township Park has to offer," she said.
"This project will make a big difference to the lives of residents in the Whittlesea Township, especially those to the east of the river."
The project is funded through matching $500,000 contributions from the City of Whittlesea and the Victorian Government through its Growing Suburbs Fund.
Work is expected to finish by mid-2025.
