A NEW park situated in the middle of the Jackson’s View estate has been handed to the Baw Baw Shire Council.
Above: Dianne Howard, Marcos Sanz, Shirley Burnell, Stephen Craig, Murray Cook and Kevin Spencer at the handing over ceremony.
This article was first published in the 15 August 2014 edition of the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ownership of McNeilly Park, which includes wetlands and a sensory adventure playground, was officially transferred to the council from the estate’s developers in a ceremony in July.
The ceremony included the planting of an Eucalyptus tree by mayor Murray Cook and managing director of Cartagen properties Pty Ltd Shirley Burnell.
Cartagen will continue to be responsible for maintenance of the park until 29 July 2015, despite the change of ownership.
The park and wetlands, situated next to the estate’s country club, is a key selling point of the estate, which is still under construction.
“McNeilly Park is a real asset for the community and provides the natural experiences of the native bushland, at the same time acting as another focal point for Jackson’s View residents and others to catch up, meet new friends, exercise, walk the dogs and get to know one another,” Ms Burnell said in a media release.
ADVERTISEMENT
The name of the park was chosen by the Baw Baw Shire Place Names Committee after a ‘Name the Park’ competition, which was held in 2012. McNeilly Park was suggested by Drouin resident Ruth McDonald.
The name carries a strong local link, acknowledging the McNeilly family which first settled in the area in the late 1800s.
Another link to the past is the developers’ attempt to partially restore the bushland that once covered the valley the estate sits in.
McNeilly Park covers six hectares, cost $3 million to develop and brings Baw Baw’s public park count to 104.
How long before the Council tries to sell it off?
So who is the photo?
Be nice to have names
Good point. Dianne Howard, Marcos Sanz, Shirley Burnell, Stephen Craig, Murray Cook and Kevin Spencer at the handing over ceremony.