Barwon Heads park gets green light

THE City of Greater Geelong has approved the much-awaited master plan for redevelopment of Barwon Heads Village Park.

A proposed bicycle park, bowls pavilion and increased protections for the Moonah woodlands are just some of the items detailed in the far-reaching plan for the 23-hectare community park.

The plan aims to guide funding for the park over the next decade while protecting its unique environment, character and cultural heritage.

The council has contributed $500,000 towards the redevelopment, supported by matching funding from the Commonwealth Government and $200,000 from the Victorian Government.

A redevelopment of the Barwon Heads Tennis Pavilion is being funded with a further $285,000 from the Victorian Government.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said she was keen to see the redevelopment implemented.

“Council is thrilled to contribute $500,000 for the new pavilion at the Barwon Heads Bowls Club and I’m really looking forward to seeing the overall transformation of the park,” Cr Asher said.

There is also a proposed upgrade for the shared cricket, soccer and footy pavilion, a combination of dog on/off lead and dog free areas, and a potential site has been identified for a petanque piste.

It’s estimated that it would cost more than $4 million over a 10-year period to deliver all the recommendations.

A proposed bike park for children and young people was strongly supported during the community consultation but is yet to secure funding.

Freddie, a young local mountain biker said a bike park would improve social connections, friendships and opportunities to have fun in the area.

“There is a lot of demand from local kids,” Freddie said.
“It’s important because most kids are bored out of their mind because of lockdowns, and have been wanting this for ages.
“Most of us ride mountain bikes, but you could ride BMXs in the bike park too, anything you can ride over a jump.”

Cr Asher said the proposed bike park would be a great place for kids.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of young people and their parents about how a bike discovery area would be a popular place for kids to stay active, challenged and socially connected,” she said.

According to council the bike park would cost $100,000 and is listed as a “high priority” item.

Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the new master plan would replace the existing 2012 document, which no longer reflected the needs of the community.

“The Barwon Heads Village Park is a special place to exercise, take the dog for a walk, get in touch with nature and make new friends,” he said.
“The final plan supports a wider range of age groups and users from young people to the elderly while protecting the Moonah woodlands and open space that we know and love.”