For over a decade now, Council’s award-winning Creating Better Parks Policy and Plan has been breathing new life into Brimbank’s park network.
Since 2008, we’ve invested $38 million and upgraded 116 parks and playgrounds in Brimbank.
In addition, about $24 million has been invested in delivering around 33 streetscape and activity centre projects. This has meant that the community now has access to a network of well designed, green places all across the city that people can walk, cycle or drive to.
The Creating Better Parks policy review that’s underway will ensure that Brimbank’s parks only get better.
Brimbank’s parks have played an important role in supporting the community’s physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have become places of sanctuary as many locals make the most of their time outdoors.
With over 250 parks and reserves across Brimbank there’s plenty to enjoy and discover in your local neighbourhood.
New parks and playgrounds
In recent months, Council has invested over $3 million to complete 10 park and playground upgrades, including:
- Balmoral Park and playground, Derrimut
- Evergreen Reserve, park and playground, Albanvale
- Northumberland Road Reserve, park and playground, Sunshine North
- MB Lynch Memorial Gardens, Sunshine
- Robinson Court Reserve, park and playground, Delahey
- Highcombe Crescent Reserve, park and playground, St Albans
- Waterfield Park and playground, Cairnlea
- Salamander Drive Reserve, Taylors Lakes
- Varna Place Reserve, Keilor Downs
- Kevin Flint Memorial Reserve, off-leash dog park, Cairnlea
The newly opened $450,000 playground at Balmoral Park, Derrimut features the latest in high-quality playground equipment. This includes a six metre tall birds nest tower with a bridge and slide, new nature play space with landscaped rock mound, and rock and log steppers, picnic area with shelter, barbeque and seating.
It also features two fitness stations, a public toilet and more trees and shrubs in the park and playground. By the end of this year, residents can look forward to enjoying the new half size basketball/netball court.
In Albanvale, Evergreen Reserve has received a $450,000 upgrade. The works include a new playground with a play tower and swings, a new shelter, barbecue and picnic facilities, multi-functional sports court, table tennis tables, badminton court and fitness equipment. The area is also surrounded by new trees and plants to create an inviting and shaded space.
Dog lovers will also soon be able to visit the newly opened Kevin Flint Memorial Reserve fully-fenced dog park in Cairnlea. The large run-about area offers natural rummaging areas, agility equipment, and separate areas for small, old and shy dogs. There’s also a drinking fountain with dog bowl, seating, dog waste dispensers, bins, signage and tree plantings for shade.
New walking and cycling trails
In addition to the various park upgrades, Council has spent $23 million to install about 37.5km of shared user paths and 23km of on-road cycle lanes to walk or ride throughout Brimbank.
This includes the new 1.7km shared user path along Kororoit Creek between Isabella Williams Memorial Reserve and Shepherds Grove, Kings Park, allowing residents to walk or cycle along the creek network. The improvements include a wider concrete path, signage, bike safety sections, and rock and native vegetation to support local habitat.
In the coming months, Council will be upgrading three more shared user paths on Duke Street Reserve, Sunshine, Green Gully Reserve, Keilor Downs and St Albans Road, from Western Ring Road to Gilmour Road. This will make it possible for residents to cycle from St Albans to West Footscray Station.
More trees
Brimbank’s parks are also becoming greener. More than 200,000 trees have been planted in recent years, creating an emerging urban forest to shade and cool Brimbank’s public spaces.
As the weather warms up, there’s plenty of ways to relax and enjoy parks and open spaces in your local area.
We’ll continue to provide updates on the various park and streetscape upgrade projects underway under Council’s capital works program.
