Community vision more than on track

MEREDITH’S updated recreation reserve has been officially opened.

The revamped space includes a bike pump track, new playground and expanded skatepark, and comes after a community effort led by 15-year-old Harley Murfitt and his friend Max Love.

The works also saw a basketball hoop along with new pathways, seating and shelter added.

The project represents a community effort, with the original idea developed by Harley and Max who wanted to see a safer skate park in the town.

“My mate Max and I saw that the existing skate park facility was dangerous and not up to scratch so after talking to mum and dad, they encouraged me to try and do something about it,” said Harley.

The pair then received the backing of then Meredith Primary School principal Steven Trotter and local police officer Craig Malthouse before a plan was developed and presented to Golden Plains Shire.

“In May of 2021 I got a call to stay the State Government had given funding of $420,000 to fund our project,” Harley said.

“After several meetings with the council, the project started.”

In addition to the State Government funding, a further $480,000 was provided by the municipality.

“I think it will be a great addition to our community as well as for visitors passing through the town,” said Harley.

“It will be a great meeting place for kids of the town to meet mates and enjoy themselves.”

Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle, officially opened the facility and said it was great to see the vision come to life.

“One of the things that always struck me was the journey of it,” she said. “This has been a labour of love and I think we as a community owe an enormous thank you to Harley and Max.”