Officer residents are celebrating the opening of a new park with a range of exciting play equipment, active zones and calming spaces designed to support the local community to re-connect in nature.
The park covering more than one hectare was officially opened in AVID Property Group’s (AVID) Hillstowe community on Saturday 28 May with MP Brad Battin in attendance.
AVID Property Group project director Danny Boubli said the park was located centrally within the community, to ensure all residents were within a five 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.
“Additionally, we have incorporated 3,058 sqm of open green space for recreational activity, 394 meters of footpaths, multiple shaded picnic areas and various seating zones to create holistic outdoor spaces for people of all ages to experience.“
Taylors Development Strategies landscape architect Leon Rozitis said the design of the Hillstowe Central Park focused 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.
“The use of recycled brickwork to the arbor acknowledges the brickmaking industry in the 1880’s, while the palette of the play equipment, furniture and finishes aims to create links to the timber industry of the 1870’s.”
Mr Battin said he was delighted to join so many locals for the opening event and ceremonial ribbon cutting.
“South East 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.
The Hillstowe Central Park can be found on Rosedene Avenue, Officer.
For more information on Hillstowe, visit hillstoweliving.com.au or phone 1300 159 138.
