Redland Drive - A New Park for Springfield Ward.

After many years of placing this project before my fellow councillors for selection, it is satisfying to know it has finally been achieved. What I had envisaged as a recreational place for local people is now equipped with BBQ facilities, shading and playground equipment. Credit must be given to former councillor Chris Aubrey who kept my dream alive and ensured that the vegetation chosen for this site features indigenous native plants.

 I was delighted that during my year as Rotary Mitcham President, my board allowed me put the Farmer's Market gold coin donations towards park equipment. The funds from the gold coins are divided between the six Rotary clubs and the Whitehorse Rotaract (Junior Rotary 18-25 yo) for use within the city of Whitehorse for specific community projects identified by the board of each club.

The bench seats and picnic table sets that were delivered to the site are made from recycled plastic bottles. It was satisfying for me personally, to investigate ways to save money on ongoing maintenance whilst choosing a product that was environmentally sound. REPLAS, an Australian company situated in Dandenong, produce high quality outdoor equipment that is UV stabilised and highly durable. A link to their website below is provided for those interested in the technology that they have developed. It is suitable for many applications and used worldwide. http://www.replas.com.au/ 

It is great to see the families and children making use of the playground, BBQ and park facilities.

 There is a great opportunity for council to further enhance this new community park with more planting of attractive, established trees and shrubs. What a transformation from the old paddock that had been fenced off with wire for over fifteen years!This is a truly satisfying outcome of being proactive in the community.