Park for more than passing cars

A park that helps form an unofficial gateway to Darley and Bacchus Marsh has been enhanced for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Upgrades to Federation Park on Gisborne Road were officially opened on Thursday 30 April.

Moorabool Shire Council provided $600,000 for the project, with the federal government contributing $400,000.

Mayor Cr Steve Vendetti-Taylor thanked all those who were involved in the project and said he had received positive feedback on the park’s upgrades.

“The new car park, toilet block, linking paths, and landscaping are great additions to the new playground, shelter and barbecue area that has recently been built,” he said.

Hawke MP Sam Rae said it was important the works were done not only for locals but visitors coming in from the town’s north-east.

“Federation Park is the gateway to the Moorabool Shire and to Darley and Bacchus Marsh from Gisborne and from the Macedon Ranges,” he said.

“We’ve got so many young families moving into our area, but we’ve also got so many people coming from outside our area to enjoy what’s awesome about our towns and our local community and of course this is a great way to welcome them here.”

Rae said the works had been well received, with many children and their families already utilising the space.

“It’s a fantastic outcome,” he said.

“We’ve got native plantings, we’ve taken advantage of the beautiful gum trees that were already here and the landscaping is sensitive to the environment, which I think has been really welcomed by our local community.”