Council has adopted a master plan for Kilsyth Recreation Reserve, following extensive engagement earlier this year.
In February and March, community members provided feedback on a draft master plan – a document outlining improvements and projects in the recreation reserve over the next 10 years.
With more than 2000 community members reached, and strong support provided in feedback, Councillors voted to formally adopt the finalised master plan on Tuesday, 12 September.
Walling Ward Councillor, Len Cox, said the plan mapped out ways to make the recreation reserve more inviting for Yarra Ranges and Maroondah Council residents.
“We know that this reserve is well-used by the Eastern Ranges Football Club and the wider AFL community with the Kilsyth Centre of Excellence, which has been just fantastic,” Cr Cox said.
“But with the tennis courts reaching the end of their life, the reserve is mostly used as a thoroughfare to the shops and not much else. We can do so much more.
“The Master Plan outlines our goals for upgrading existing facilities, and offering more for the community at the reserve.
“We’ve mapped out improvements such as irrigation and new lighting for the sports precinct, more access to public toilets, a plaza with landscaping and seating, a recreation hub, playspace, netball court, pump track and more.
“Memorial Hall users will benefit from improved access from the reserve when works are completed, and I can’t wait to see the reserve flourish as these works commence.”
Some projects in the Master Plan, such as converting the sporting oval lights to LED, are reliant on grant applications.
With the recent purchase of 150 Cambridge Road, public open space funding in Walling Ward will be constrained for several years. As a result, the majority of upgrades in the Master Plan will commence from 2026-27, finishing in 2035.
