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McCann Crescent Park Resparked

Published on 11 September 2018

McCann Crescent
Park Resparked

Media Release

Work is nearing completion on a park in McCann Crescent, Kerang as a new development co-designed by the community comes to fruition.

Gannawarra Shire Mayor Brian Gibson said the concept for the new park came about in 2016 when a children’s festival ‘ReSpark the Park’ was held.

“During the Respark the Park event local children got to draw their ideal park,” explained Mayor Gibson.“The children’s ideal park included swings, a half basketball court, shade, somewhere to ride their bikes, and no prickles!”

The initial ReSpark the Park event was funded by Department of Justice and project managed by Gannawarra Shire in partnership with Regional Arts Victoria, Gannawarra Library Service and local Elder, Uncle Lloyd Murray from Northern District Community Health.

Community members attending the Respark the Park event participated in a series of arts activities run by local artists and play specialists.

Regional Arts Victoria Regional Officer Kim Bennett said that the idea behind the event was to shine a light on a part of Kerang where there were a lot of children and young families and not a lot of amenities for the community.

“What emerged was a pretty modest request for some improvements to the park,” said Ms. Bennett.“Arts activities were a great way to engage the children, and the parents loved it too!”

Gannawarra Shire Council has funded and undertaken works to revitalise the park owned by the Department of Health and Human Services which now features a half basketball court, slide and swings.

Resident Mr Kevin Tilley who was involved with the initial ReSpark the Park project said the area was desperately in need of a safe area for children to play.

“This side of town had nothing,” said Mr. Tilley. “The kids didn’t want to use what was there. It will be a much needed place for the children to hang around, to play and meet others in the neighbourhood.”

“It is amazing what can be done when the community comes together,” commented Uncle Lloyd Murray.

The ‘resparked’ park will be officially opened at a community celebration on Thursday September 27, 2018 between 4pm and 6pm.

“I encourage families to come to the opening and enjoy the new play equipment and space,” said Mayor Gibson. “There will also be free wood-fire pizzas and a basketball goal shooting competition with prizes to be won!”

…ENDS…

Date: 11 August 2018
Contact: Communications Officer
Email: media@gannawarra.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0409 616 627 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.