Gembrook park ‘a taste of things to come’

Cardinia Shire Council mayor Jeff Springfield, Harriet Shing and Jason Wood with daughter Jasmine and other children. From left: Blaize, Flynn, Ashby, Milla. Behind from left: Taijien, Onyx, Zac, Ada. Picture: ROB CAREW 203329_01

By Mitchell Clarke

The Gembrook Leisure Park, which received support from all levels of government, is officially open to the community.

Politicians put on their play shoes for the official ministerial opening of the park on Monday 20 January, despite the park upgrades being completed late last year.

Federal MP Jason Wood, Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing and Cardinia Shire Council mayor Jeff Springfield frolicked with local kids as they surveyed the latest attractions.

The new-look park is now fitted with a state-of-the-art skate park, an adventure play space with accessible play elements, a multi-use sports court and a passive lawn area with barbecue shelters and picnic tables.

Cardinia Shire Council put forward $500,000 towards the project while the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund contributed $500,000 and the Federal Government provided the remaining $500,000.

Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek said the project was a prime example of the Growing Suburbs Fund at work.

“We are committed to helping communities like Gembrook get the community facilities they need to thrive,” Mr Somyurek said.

“This time, creating a place for children to play and be active and families to go to be more connecting to their community.”

Gembrook Community Group’s Garry McGough said the project was “fantastic” for the small township.

“It’s a really fantastic park, every time I drive past the place is packed,” Mr McGough said.

“The old park was falling apart and was well past its used by date so it’s great for the community to have a meeting place like this which caters for all ages.

“I know my grandkids are just itching to get to it.”

Mr McGough said it was a taste of what is to come in terms of prospective developments in Gembrook.

“It’s been brilliant that they’ve put this much money into Gembrook,” he said.

“The state of this park is brilliant, it’s value for money and I think they should absolutely consider building more of these things in other areas like Cockatoo.”

Mr McGough praised Cardinia Shire Council for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition, adding it was a bonus that it was completed on time.

Cardinia Shire Council mayor Jeff Springfield thanked community members for their input into the design.

“The new Gembrook Leisure Park is a fantastic space for people of all ages from Gembrook and the surrounding areas,” he said.

“Council sincerely thanks the community members who helped us create such an incredible place for our community to enjoy, as well as both the federal and state governments – in particular the local members Jason Wood and Harriet Shing for their support.”