Two tired-looking, largely underutilised grassy areas in Civic Drive, Greensborough will be transformed into a $1.2 million recreational precinct due to be completed by mid-December.
Two local schools are planning to hold Christmas Carol concerts at the new amphitheatre.
Mayor Peter Clarke is delighted with the project.
“We’ve taken two largely unloved, unused areas at the site of Council’s Civic headquarters and will turn them into something really special that the community can enjoy,” Clarke said.
The southern area is being revamped into a flat open lawn area, with plants and shady trees. This will be ideal for passive recreation: picnics on the grass or kicking a ball around.
The northern area is being transformed into a new playground including a
range of all age and ability play equipment such as tower play and boulder climbing units; accessible swing, ropes and totem pole course; flying fox, spinner, inclusive sand play, basketball and musical play elements.
A picnic table, BBQ, shelter, drinking fountain and pathways to improve accessibility will complete the area.
Children from local schools are adding an artistic touch – a giant ceramic-tiled mosaic snake in the playground, with students individually painting the tiles.
‘Cookie cutters’ made by the Eltham Men’s Shed are being used to cut the tiles.
Councillor Grant Brooker said the old outdoor performance area would be transformed into an outdoor amphitheatre with grassed terraced seating as well as a half basketball/ netball court which could be used as a stage.
“All you have to do is remove the hoops. It is here the carol concerts as well as future performances will be held – it’s a wonderful space,” Brooker said.
The amphitheatre was originally built by the Shire of Diamond Valley (now part of Nillumbik Shire) as a memorial for original owner of Main Street Music, Greensborough, who supplied musical instruments to local schools and held after-school music classes (guitar, drums, piano and more) in the 1980s.
