Park project at final stage

Published on 20 May 2014

A sculpture walk, events space, new shelters and a revamped play space are just a few of the many features of proposed plans for the future to follow on from the Boort Eastern Entry redevelopment.

Council’s ambitious streetscape renewal project has now reached its final stage after eight years of work and a total funding commitment of more than $1 million.

Work will begin later this year on a wide range of jobs, all preparing the way for a potential fresh look to Nolens Park and a reinvigorated children’s play area.

The budgeted cost of this third stage is $404,400, shared between Loddon Shire ($90,000), state government ($300,000) and the Boort community’s in-kind contribution of $14,400.

Road works and the relocation of services are expected to cost $250,000, a park shelter $75,000, realignment works for future playground upgrades $33,800 and trees and landscaping $45,600.

Loddon Shire’s Manager Community Planning, Tim Jenkyn, said local input had been integral to the process since it began in 2006.

“Most recently, the 12-member community reference group has been the guiding light in finalising preparatory works and planning for any future redevelopment, with a great deal of work put in by the community over each stage of the project,” Mr Jenkyn said.

“We’ve now reached the last stage of civil works and we’re looking forward to seeing some changes beginning to take place.

“In Nolens Park, the key objective is to create better linkages with the lakeside and provide a basis for planning for greater recreational opportunities in Boort.

“The park’s unique location next to Little Lake Boort means it can be an inviting place for residents of all ages, as well as travellers passing through.

“The whole idea is that visitors approaching the park will want to break their journey when they see an attractive, welcoming place.”

Reference group member – and Little Lake Boort committeeman – Barry Kennedy said “everybody will be pleased to see this happen”.

“The first stage saw work on the northern side of the road around the traffic island in Holloway St,” he said.

“For the second stage, we got the new toilet block in Nolens Park and kerb and channel work on the south side, including new underground drainage.”

Mr Kennedy, an engineer who supervised Stage 2, said the community meetings and consultations facilitated by Tim Jenkyn had proven fruitful.

“This will complete and beautify the entrance into the town and finish off the area between Nolens Park and the caravan park,” he said.

“We just want to make these areas as user-friendly as we can.”