By Casey Neill
An indoor training centre is on the cards for the new-look Dandenong Park.
Workers have flattened the Stan Prior soundshell, bowls club rooms, croquet club and kindergarten, creating an unimpeded view from Foster Street through to Shepley Oval.
At a briefing session on Monday 1 August, councillors discussed the possibility of an indoor training facility as part of the overhaul.
Greater Dandenong community services director Mark Doubleday said the council was completing a feasibility analysis for such a centre at Shepley Oval.
“This is consistent with the Dandenong Park Master Plan and the provision of indoor facilities that would complement cricket and AFL use at Dandenong Park,” he said.
“It is also being considered in the context of the network of multi-use indoor facilities that the council currently provides.
“This study is in progress and has not yet been finalised.”
The Pultney Street-Lonsdale Street park was established more than 100 years ago and covers about 17 hectares.
The council commissioned the Dandenong Park Precinct Master Plan to establish a vision for the park, which is an integral part of the Revitalising Central Dandenong project.
Community consultation in 2006 and 2007 informed the document, which the council adopted in July 2007.
It included increased vegetation, interpretive signage to convey history, lighting and artwork.
The Dandenong Park regional playground and picnic space in the Riverside Precinct next to Dandenong Creek and Lonsdale Street was a key project and officially opened in August 2012.
Multi-purpose open space was another key objective.
Buildings for the Dandenong City Bowling Club and Dandenong Croquet Club were among those to make way.
They played their final matches in February and April last year respectively.
What facilities would you like to see in Dandenong Park? Visit www.facebook.com/DandenongJournal to have your say.
