New look park revealed
LEONGATHA’S much loved McIndoe Park is now safer and more accessible for families and children of all ages.
This is thanks to an $88,000 investment from the Victorian Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.
Deputy Premier and Gippsland South MLA Peter Ryan was in Leongatha last Friday to officially open the $120,000 McIndoe Park Development Project.
Mr Ryan, who was joined by Eastern Victoria MLC Danny O’Brien at the opening, said the project included new perimeter fencing and child proof gates, new pathways to improve disabled access, as well as a new rotunda and free barbecues, tables and chairs.
“McIndoe Park is one of the most used and loved community spaces in Leongatha, regularly hosting large community events such as concerts and Australia Day celebrations,” Mr Ryan said.
“Its accessible playground and open space make it a popular place to play for children of all ages and abilities, while its beautiful surrounds and picnic facilities mean it’s a perfect location to host gatherings with family and friends or simply for an afternoon out.”
Mr Ryan said while the park was a popular destination for visitors to Leongatha and a central point in the community for many years, it wasn’t always safe.
“There are two busy roads bordering the park and an accessible water drain nearby which has caused significant concern for parents of young children,” he said.
“Having secure fencing around the perimeter of the park will mean children are protected from the road and the water drain, providing much relief for parents.”
Mr O’Brien said the installation of new pathways linking the rotundas to the playground had greatly improved accessibility at McIndoe Park, particularly for students from South Gippsland Specialist School.
“The South Gippsland Specialist School spends a lot of time at McIndoe Park thanks to its impressive range of accessible playground equipment,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The development of these new pathways will make it easier and safer for students to access the play equipment, enabling them to get the most out of the wonderful new facility.”
Mr Ryan thanked South Gippsland Shire Council, which contributed $22,000 towards the project, and the Lions Club of Leongatha, which contributed $10,000.
“Thank you to the Lions Club from the bottom of council’s heart for this wonderful asset,” South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Jim Fawcett said.
“It’s these projects of a slightly smaller capacity which mean so much to the community. I’m thrilled to see it come to fruition.”
Geoff Heide from the Leongatha Lions Club said this project has been four years in the making and it was well worth the wait.
Mr Ryan said this project was one of more than 30 across South Gippsland to receive Regional Growth Fund support, delivering almost $60 million in investment to the region.
More facilities: South Gippsland Shire Council’s Cr Nigel Hutchinson Brooks, South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Jim Fawcett, Leongatha Lions Club member Geoff Heide, Eastern Victoria MLC Danny O’Brien, Deputy Premier and Gippsland South MLA Peter Ryan and council CEO Tim Tamlin gather around one of the four barbecues now available at McIndoe Park.
Short URL: /?p=10931
Posted by 
