Major upgrade for Civic Park Drouin

A major park upgrade with the main focus being on a new play space area will be initiated for Drouin Civic Park. Baw Baw Shire will take on board outcomes of its master plan project to embark on a major park upgrade that will be funded through developing a collaborative partnership between council, state government and the community.

Council will explore funding opportunities and develop partnerships to deliver the projects in 2018/19 and 2019/20 financial years.

Detailed designs will be undertaken using $50,000 from council’s open space contributions fund with a view to seeking funding.

Community members will be consulted about designs for the play space.

The adopted master plan identified key projects to be delivered in the Drouin Civic Park. Short term priorities were a play space and public toilet upgrade.

A report to council said community members in Drouin had regularly expressed their desire to have the play space upgraded. Students from Drouin Primary School also have sent a written request to council.

Officers said an internal cross department working group has been formed to scope the options for delivering identified projects.

“This major park upgrade needs to meet the growing population requirements of the Drouin and wider Baw Baw Shire community, along with people visiting the shire.

“This project would have positive environmental impacts for the park and surrounding areas by improving the amenity and usage of the park,” the report said.

Cr Tricia Jones said this playground upgrade was previously pushed back.

She said combining the outcomes of the master plan into a major park upgrade was great news.

She said the Drouin Scouts and several other clubs had been keen to see the park upgraded for a long time.

Cr Jones said a new play space and toilets had been prioritised in the master plan.

Cr Jessica O’Donnell said the park was a beautiful space but unfortunately it was not suffice for children wanting an area to play.

Cr Keith Cook said with the number of young couples building new homes in the area, most of them will have children who will want an area to play.

Cr Michael Leaney said the new play space in Warragul Civic Park had been taken to “with gusto by the kids” and he hoped Drouin would be the same.

Cr Mikaela Power said it was great seeing all these things coming together.

“To see the Warragul playground come through consultation, design and now being used is great.

“Drouin Civic Park is very well loved,” she said.