A new and improved Sheils Reserve, Brunswick, Victoria, is open for the community to enjoy, thanks to a $382,000 investment from Moreland City Council’s Open Space fund.
The redevelopment provided new recreation and play equipment for residents as well as revegetation to increase habitat for local biodiversity.
Moreland Mayor, Natalie Abboud, said, “This forward-thinking park redevelopment is so exciting for Moreland, not only for local residents, but from an environmental perspective also.
“Gaining a better understanding of the local biodiversity allows us to incorporate that understanding into our open space planning and infrastructure.”
Upgrades to the park included new play equipment, a sheltered barbeque area, seating and picnic facilities, an extensive concrete path network and improvements to park entry points – making it safer and more accessible for all.
The redevelopment also included recultivation and planting for enhanced wild-life habitat and four observation areas to assist learnings about local biodiversity and revegetation through the recording of the growth of plants, birds and insects in the park as the landscape develops.
Park-goers can use their smartphones at these locations to link up to a Communal Database to record and identify the flora and fauna they come across.
Community involvement is high on the agenda at Sheils Reserve, with around 100 people attending a community gardening day to plant 1300 plants in August.
“It’s so fantastic to see local residents so enthusiastic about getting involved in all aspects of Council’s Open Space programs.
“By working alongside the community and creating hands-on opportunities to contribute to the redevelopment and future of the park, residents gain a more meaningful connection to the space.”
Even Moreland’s youngest residents played their part in making Sheils Reserve a truly special park. As a final touch, concrete pavers were installed, decorated by the kids of Dewdrops Early Learning Centre, who use the park for their Bush Kinder.
