Opening for new park

It will be officially opened this Sunday, with a free barbecue.

The City of Melville bought the old Water Corporation site at 72 Ogilvie Road for $3.3 million in March, 2012, to use as open space after hundreds of local residents rallied the council to buy the land in 2010.

The City has spent $245,000 upgrading the park after acquiring it, which includes landscaped grass areas, paths, water drinking fountains and seating.

Despite setbacks, such as when the park was closed and fenced off at the end of 2012 because of asbestos fears, locals said they were excited they could now access the parkland.

Melville Action Group member and local resident Clive James said the park was used every day.

‘We are absolutely thrilled,’ he said.

‘There’s no question that every day there are people of all ages playing in the park, walking and running,’

‘Well over a hundred people played football, cricket or just ran during the first weekend that grass was laid last month.’

Mr James said that showed how much it was needed in the area.

He is optimistic a playground area will be installed in coming years and has applied for one through the Robin Hood Project.

Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey said residents could now enjoy the new public place that improved their opportunities to lead a more healthy and active lifestyle and would also promote a sense of community as neighbours began to meet in the park.

‘Since the upgrade, residents have given so much positive feedback, commenting that the new park is bringing people together with children meeting for the first time, while another noted the park is being used all the time and is giving the community more joy than they could have hoped for,’ he said.

The Rotary Club of Applecross, Neighbourhood Watch and the City of Melville will host the free barbecue event.

It will be held on Sunday, June 23, from 11am to 1pm.

A sausage sizzle and drinks will be provided.