Work has started on two new trails at Jells Park, providing the community with a range of ways to explore the park's natural beauty.
With its fantastic contemporary play spaces, great access for visitors with diverse needs, big open spaces and several picnic areas, the much-loved park located on Wurundjeri Country in Melbourne's south-east offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the benefits of being in nature.
Thanks to $5.9 million from the Victorian Government, a new scenic, shared-use Bushland Trail is coming to the park– allowing visitors to walk, run or cycle through the park's diverse green spaces, without disturbing native flora and fauna in the area.
Following community consultation, a shorter shared-use Lake Trail looping around the park's café and playscapes, with impressive views of the lake is also under way.
Lighting, signage, drinking fountains, and seating will be installed along both trails to improve accessibility and safety and make it easier for visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy the much-loved park.
Works will be delivered in stages. To ensure the safety of park visitors, temporary detours will be in place during construction. Both trails will be ready for the public to use in mid-2025.
This is just one of many initiatives taking place across Jells to help keep the park special.
At the southern end of the park, a $4 million project is underway to upgrade the Oaks and Ashes ovals. Procurement is underway for the fields to accommodate many sports and recreational activities - including the busy local cricket season for City of Monash clubs. A small pavilion will be built and provide inclusive change rooms and bathroom facilities.
As part of the $24.76 million Asset Regeneration Program to keep parks safe, viewing platforms on the west side of Jells Lake, and at Jells Lake Shelter will be replaced, and the Oaks playground will receive upgrades.
A new operator has also arrived at Jells Park Café and is undertaking exciting upgrades to the building just in time for summer. A new kiosk area will open soon, while the café's new dining space is expected to be complete before the end of the year.
