Caroline Hammat
After several years of planning and persistence the Lions Park redevelopment is underway with an irrigation system installed and fruit trees planted at the southern end of the park.
Children from the Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre’s (GSELC) Emu Room were supported by Wattle Range Council’s (WRC) parks and gardens team to plant the 12 trees Last Friday.
A mixture of apples, plums, nectarine, peacherine and a variety of citrus trees were planted to benefit the neighbourhood.
Millicent Lions, including councillor John Shelton, cooked a sausage sizzle for the children and were joined by representatives from Unity Housing, councillor Dennis Muhovics, Mayoress Shari Noll and local residents.
Local resident Anthony Thomas has been a member of the Lions Park working group since it began pre-pandemic and was on hand with his daughter Tahli to see the progress underway.
“It’s good to see all our work starting to happen, it’s been going for a long time,” Mr Thomas said.
“The fruit trees are good for the community, everyone can benefit from them”
Mr Thomas said he hoped local community members would keep an eye on the space and look out for it.
Unity Housing tenant engagement officer Jacquelyn Matthews said combination football and soccer goal posts will be installed in the park by WRC employees sometime this week.
By the end of August it is hoped ten community garden beds, being constructed by Millicent High School, will be in place at the park’s northern end.
Ms Matthews said herbs are being donated by HollaFresh for two of the 10 garden beds due to be installed.
The remaining eight garden beds will be for seasonal vegetables and two will be accessible for the GSELC children to tender.
“We are trying to get some traction here at Lions Park,” she said.
“Hopefully moving forward we will get some funding for playground equipment and pathways.
“Pathways being constructed are our main priority to make it accessible for all, we do have the disability houses around here.”
WRC director development services, Emma Clay said work done on the irrigation system, along with the planting of the fruit trees, marks the beginning of the first stage of the Working Group’s objective for the upgrade of the park; which is to develop a functional multi-use area, suitable for all ages and abilities, that encourages physical activity and social interaction to enhance neighbourhood connection and community identity.
Future plans for the site include play equipment, planting further native trees and shrubs, seating and a meeting space.
Longer term the working group hopes to include a toilet block, multi-sports court and a pump track.
