Works to improve the safety and useability of the Horsham Racecourse Reserve were officially opened on Thursday.
Forty three LED lights have been installed on the Adrian Hatcher Fitness Track around the perimeter of the wider Reserve.
The project also includes landscaping to improve natural surveillance, removal of an entrapment points, installation of seating and an off-leash dog park.
Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) Mayor Mark Radford said he was confident the improvements would encourage more people to use the racecourse route.
“We know many Horsham people like to go for runs before work or at night and the new lighting will give people reassurance to use the track when it’s dark,” Cr Radford said.
“Despite the number of community facilities located within the Reserve, the site has in the past been underutilised. But since the upgrade we are already seeing an increase in activity which is fantastic.
“We know the fitness track is popular for people who walk their dogs. The installation of an off leash park close to the perimeter of the site will now attract more people to the reserve and as a result enhance the sense of safety.
“The off leash area will be fenced and contain seats, bins, and watering points,” he said.
HRCC began planning for the enhancements in early 2018 after the Horsham Racecourse Reserve Advisory Committee raised concerns about the darkness around the area.
Horsham Police also had safety concerns for the area and its members were involved in planning for the removal of entrapment areas.
HRCC was then successful in its application to the Victorian Government’s Public Safety Infrastructure Fund and received a $192,035 grant to complete the project.
The Racecourse Reserve area is home to many community and private facilities including a skate park, Central Park Tennis Club, netball, firefighting track facilities and Horsham Rugby Club.
