By CASEY NEILL
A vacant Keysborough parkland will receive a million-dollar makeover.
Greater Dandenong Council allocated $352,000 to develop the Sarah Lands site at Stanley Road and Westwood Boulevard at its Tuesday 14 June meeting.
The land’s developer will contribute $574,000, bringing the total project to $926,000.
The 1.6 hectare parkland and adjacent waterway is the last remaining significant piece of open space that remains undeveloped in the area.
Consultation with council officers, the developer, Keysborough South Action Group and interested councillors has shaped a draft concept plan.
It includes play equipment, a picnic shelter, barbecue, half basketball court, bike racks, drinking fountain, a fitness station, a large kick-about area with goal posts, walking paths, seating areas, garden beds and trees.
A pedestrian bridge over the waterway to provide access to adjacent homes is also proposed.
Community consultation will take place in the coming weeks to refine and plan.
An official name for the parkland is yet to be chosen.
Councillor Matthew Kirwan said the park would offer a large oval for informal sporting activities.
“Consultation with residents so far has indicated that an informal, active recreational space is something existing parks east of Chapel Road doesn’t offer and will be highly valued,” he said.
“Residents are keen to see the concept design options further developed and to be able to have their say fine-tuning the final design of the park.”
