In exciting news for the Eildon community and visitors, Murrindindi Shire Council is pleased to advise that works will commence on the much-anticipated Eildon Reserves Redevelopment early in February following the appointment of contractors for the project.
After a comprehensive tender process, Council appointed two contractors to deliver the project in three stages. Works are expected to commence in the coming weeks, with completion planned for October 2024, weather permitting.
The project will see the redevelopment of Walter Moore and Thomas Marr Reserves in Eildon and involves the construction of a new flying fox and swing set playground, skate park, adventure playground, senior play space, splash park, toilet/change facilities, BBQ and shelter, fencing, as well as minor footpath and landscaping works. The public toilet will be undergoing a significant upgrade, providing access for all abilities and incorporating a new change area. The nearest alternative public toilets can be found at Eildon Lions Park.
While we originally planned to commence construction on the flying fox and swing set playground before Christmas, we delayed the start date until February to avoid impacts to locals and visitors using the reserves over the busy holiday period.
In consultation with our designers, changes have been made to the original layout of the skate park, to improve safety and pedestrian access and minimise vegetation removal. The position of the skate park has been rotated about 45 degrees relative to Centre Avenue. Instead of removing the basketball court completely and converting the netball courts into a multi-purpose court, we will retain a half-court basketball court in its original location.
Due to cost escalations, some modifications to the original splash park design have also been made, allowing the project to be delivered within budget, while still ensuring a quality end product for our community. These changes include simplifying drainage elements, replacing more expensive materials such as stone resin, with concrete, reducing the amount of landscaping works, and using prefabricated products rather than bespoke elements.
Once construction commences, the public toilet block will be closed while it is upgraded, and temporary safety fencing will be erected around areas of the reserves to separate construction zones.
Utah Place will become a no-through road, based on community feedback, providing a safe pedestrian link for users, particularly families with young children moving between the two reserves.
This $6.1 million project is made possible with funding from State Government's Regional Tourism Investment Fund, Local Sport Infrastructure Fund and Changing Places Fund, and the Federal Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund. Council's $1.493 million contribution includes the proceeds from the future sale of two parcels of underused land in the Eildon township.
