By Danielle Kutchel
Greater Dandenong will soon get a new green space thanks to funding from the State Government.
The so-called ‘pocked park’ will be located at 77 Herbert Street in Dandenong, and will include shade, seating and plants for visitors to enjoy.
It’s one of several new pocket parks set to be created across Melbourne.
The State Government provided $15 million in funding for 13 new pocket parks and five off-leash dog parks across Melbourne’s suburbs.
According to the government, each new pocket park is funded up to $1.3 million.
Local councils were invited to nominate sites for the new parks, which were assessed by an independent panel.
The parks were selected for funding based on their accessibility by road, public transport or well-linked to bike and walking tracks.
When complete, the pocket parks will include community event areas, landscaping and greenery, improved pedestrian connections, seating, shade, play areas and drinking fountains.
City of Greater Dandenong director city planning, design and amenity, Jody Bosman, said the land on Herbert Street was purchased by the council as part of its Open Space Strategy 2020-2030.
She said the pocket park would allow locals to “relax outdoors and be close to nature”.
“The park will be part of a new tree-lined ‘green spine’ creating a green link from Dandenong High School to Robert Booth Reserve,” Ms Bosman said.
“This will include around 60 new trees and landscaping to improve the comfort for residents walking to and from
community facilities and help reduce the effects of climate change.”
The construction of pocket parks, which is part of the State Government’s Suburban Parks Program, will also create jobs in industries like construction, design and landscaping, as Victoria recovers from the economic impacts of Covid-19.
