Construction has commenced on a new community park, which is expected to be completed and open to the public in April 2022 in the Hillstowe by AVID Property Group (AVID) community, in Officer.
Once complete, the Hillstowe Central Park will be more than one hectare in size and will include a tree grove with ornamental fruit trees chosen to reflect the historical fruit growing history of the region, a multi-age play space and a basketball court that allows adults and children alike to get active in their local community.
AVID General Manager Victoria Peter Vlitas said park designs like this deliver more than just beautiful spaces for the community; they are important facilities in aiding to the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors alike.
“We’re thrilled to be able to announce the construction of this feature park for the Hillstowe and Officer community. More than ever, residents are spending time in their local parks, and we’re looking forward to bringing this stunning park to life for people of all ages to enjoy,” Mr Vlitas said.
“Hillstowe is a boutique community and will be home to around 600 residents and the Hillstowe Central Park sits right in the heart of the community.
“The purpose behind the design and placement is to create a space where people of all ages could gather and connect.
“We invite everyone to use the park as part of their daily exercise routine, as a space to relax and enjoy the outdoors or as a place to meet up with family, friends and neighbours once it is complete.
AVID has considered the local environment and protected the existing Swamp Gum trees that have been incorporated within the proposed landscape as an enhancement of the local ecological value.
Park spaces are increasing in such demand that the Victorian Government has this year put in place the Open Spaces for Everybody strategy, that includes a $154 million investment in a Suburban Parks Program .
Mr Vlitas said that with the events of the past 18 months, health and wellbeing is at the forefront of everyone’s minds and the built environment creates an opportunity to encourage healthy living.
“At AVID we’re very keen to actively create healthy opportunities for our community and one way for us to do that is to create physical spaces that allow people to prioritise their health and wellbeing,” Mr Vlitas said.
The construction of the Hillstowe Central Park marks an important milestone in the community’s development cycle.