MP Brad Battin joined AVID Property Group and residents to officially open the Hillstowe Central Park on Saturday 28th May.
The Park, more than one hectare in size, offers local families a range of exciting play equipment, active zones and calming spaces designed to support the local community to re-connect in nature.
Mr Battin said he was delighted to join so many locals on Saturday for the ticketed opening event and ceremonial ribbon cutting.
“Southeast Melbourne is a booming area for young families, and it is great to see the increased demand for recreational spaces and new, modern playgrounds being met,” Mr Battin said.
AVID Property Group General Manager Victoria Danny Boubli said the park is located centrally within the community, to ensure all residents are within a 5-minute walk from the park and to also create sense of place within the boutique Hillstowe community.
“At AVID one of our core values is ‘bringing communities together’ and the Hillstowe Central Park has been purposefully designed with this in mind- incorporating multiple spaces for children and adults alike to enjoy,” Mr Boubli said.
“The playground includes equipment for smaller children such as a rocker and carousel as well as a larger play structure, inground trampolines and a multi-sports court complete with spectator seating for older children and families to enjoy.
“We welcome Hillstowe residents, and the wider Officer community, to get outside and enjoy time together in the space.”
Landscape Architect at Taylors Development Strategies Leon Rozitis said the design of the Hillstowe Central Park focuses on connecting people to the natural surrounds whilst referencing the history of the Officer area.
“The park includes two dedicated ‘nature-play’ areas, which is a fairly new concept in park design. Studies show that nature play enhances children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development so we’re pleased to be able to bring this approach to Officer,” Mr Rozitis said.
“Additionally, over 115 trees have been planted throughout, including those in the ornamental tree grove, chosen to reflect the horticultural history of the area.
“A large existing gum tree has been retained on-site, coupled with newly planted native drought tolerant plant species that will encourage biodiversity and canopy trees that will create shaded areas and support the cooling of the park.
“A key trend we brought to the Hillstowe Central Park was a natural palette of materiality making specific reference to the site’s history. The use of recycled brickwork to the arbor acknowledges the brickmaking industry in the 1880s, while the palette of the play equipment, furniture and finishes aims to create links to the timber industry of the 1870s.”
The Hillstowe Central Park is open for residents and visitors to enjoy and can be found on Rosedene Avenue, Officer.