Moorabool council is putting the final touches on a plan to revitalise Darley Park.
The Draft Darley Park Master Plan has has been developed by consultant @leisure Planners in partnership with Moorabool Council staff and the Darley Park Recreation Reserve stakeholders.
The draft plan incorporates earlier community engagement and provides a blueprint for development and investment at the Reserve over the next 10 years.
A report on the draft presented to the recent council meeting noted that the priorities have been identified by the Reserve’s user groups to assist with club sustainability in the short to medium term, while also accommodating future uses of the Reserve by the broader Darley community.
“The plan provides guidance and recommendations for future strategic financial planning by council to leverage the required funds, and direction for the user groups with regards to fundraising initiatives,” it states.
“The draft master plan has identified the need for significant financial investment in site services, landscaping and facility upgrades at the reserve over the coming 10 years.”
The draft plan includes a review of current facilities and usage as well as analysis of future population growth to understand the role of the reserve within the community.
It considers the requirements of sport specific playing surfaces, investigation of site services and playground infrastructure and play spaces, as well as lighting, toilets, walking paths, fitness stations and car parking.
Council’s 2020-21 budget has allocated $200,000 towards implementing the most urgent aspects of the master plan.
The council will seek further funding opportunities through Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) grant programs.
Feedback from the exhibition period will be incorporated into the final master plan, which will go back to council for adoption.
Benjamin Millar
