City of Ballarat staff have been hard at work improving the safety, presentation and functionality of Victoria Park over recent months in response to residents’ feedback.

The works form part of Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the park at a high level and included:

• Increased mowing frequency and extended mowing to park boundaries
• Removal of lower branches and poor tree specimens from perimeter plantings and pine plantation to improve sight lines, access for mowing and litter removal
• Regrading of gravel roads, carparks and road verges
• Regrading of open drains directing water to lakes and storm water discharge points
• Removal of obstacles and leveling of areas to allow access for mowing

Councillor Judy Verlin said the works had improved safety for park users by providing better surveillance from surrounding areas, removal of trip hazards and boggy areas.

“The works have improved the visitor experience by highlighting the structured avenue plantings and providing better access to the park’s facilities”.

“This forms a good basis for Council’s Victoria Park Vision activities that will commence in coming weeks”.

A series of activities will take place over the next six months to establish and test a new vision for Victoria Park. These are open to all to participate in and will include weekend ‘walk and talk’ sessions, surveys and focus group activities to explore current views and suggested improvements.

People wanting to get involved in the Victoria Park visioning project can contact Council’s Public Spaces and Environment Team on 5320 5131.