By Casey Neill
An off-leash dog park, a rock-climbing wall and picnic tables could fill the space created when Noble Park’s level crossings are removed.
But river red gums weren’t on the list of recommendations from an expert panel that was enlisted to shape the open space formed by the Level Crossing Removal Project.
Their report released on Tuesday 22 August said the Noble Park open space would mainly be linear parkland dedicated to grass, trees and a walking and cycling path.
The path will run 17 kilometres between Caulfield and the Yarraman Trail.
Removing the Heatherton, Chandler and Corrigan road crossings will also create three recreation spaces, at Ross Reserve, Heatherton Road and Chandler Road.
The panel wants to build on the world-class skate facilities at Ross Reserve through outdoor gym equipment, a mini rock climbing wall, picnic tables, a playground and table tennis.
The panel recommended a dedicated off-leash dog park area near Ross Reserve.
In response to 92 per cent of community survey respondents saying they planned to use the shared path for recreation and exercise, the panel recommended exercise pit-stops, rest areas, bike repair stands and drink fountains alongside it.
The panel said planting new river red gums was an important discussion topic.
The Journal reported in August last year that the community was reeling following shock news that dozens of decades-old river red gums and several other trees on Mons Parade, between Heatherton Road and Briggs Crescent, would be removed.
“The trees are prone to dropping branches, hence the panel’s recommendation to plant similar species such as manna gums,” the panel report said.
The panel also recommended that an art curator be brought on, but existing art work underneath Noble Park Station and plaza should be retained.
The State Government will now consider the expert panel’s recommendations in conjunction with Level Crossing Removal Authority as work progresses towards final designs which are set to be released later this year.
