Kestle Park launched

On Sunday 6th November 2016, Waterford Rise officially unveiled its flagship reserve called “Kestle Park”, the largest of the reserves proposed for the Estate.

A bit over 2 hectares in size and coming at a cost of around $0.5M, Kestle Park is centrally located between Crole and Silkwood Drives and comprises the latest playground equipment, sheltered picnic and BBQ facilities, a half-court basketball court, “Stellar” the celestial star sculpture, walking paths and meticulously landscaped native vegetation and watercourse.

The name Kestle Park was approved by Baw Baw Shire Council and its Place Naming Committee, following a recommendation by the developer Baw Baw Developments Pty. Ltd. In February 2016 the name was formally gazetted by the Registrar of Geographic Names.

“Kestle Park is the second of six reserve areas within the estate that we hope through naming will recognise those families that have had a strong ownership connection over the years to the Waterford Rise land”, said Glenn Sanford, General Manager of Baw Baw Developments Pty Ltd.

“Our Director, Gary Tomasetti, has carried out extensive research into the history of the Waterford Rise site and names such as Penaluna, Kestle, Marrabel, Hamilton, Harkness and Strachan are synonymous with the history of the area and it will be great to have them recognised in this way” said Glenn.

In the case of Kestle Park, the land on which it sits was created by Crown Allotment in 1882 and was owned by the Penaluna/Kestle families for 90 years.

An early owner was William Henry Penaluna, an uncle of Ethel Maude Kestle, the first in a line of Kestle owners who held the property for 49 years. The Kestle family continues to own the neighbouring property.

A number of Kestle descendants attended the unveiling of the new Kestle Park sign and shared memories of their family’s history in the area.

“Kestle Park has already proved very popular with Waterford Rise residents and can be readily accessed by pathways throughout the estate.

The public are also welcome to take the short diversion from the Two Towns Trail to enjoy all the park has to offer”, said Glenn.