By BRIDGET COOK
A CRANBOURNE park has reopened to the community after undergoing security and environment improvements.
Cranbourne Place Park, formerly known as the Meteorite Park, was closed in February following ongoing complaints from residents about community safety concerns and anti-social behaviour at the park.
The council received $249,500 in funding from the State Government’s Public Safety Infrastructure Fund to carry out a number of improvements.
Revitalisation works included new paths, additional lighting, signage, perimeter fencing, a new gateway entrance and a refurbished rotunda.
Playground equipment will be installed at the park in the future and a tree planting day will be held later this month to further improve the amenity of the park.
City of Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon said it was great the park could be enjoyed for a variety of recreational and leisure activities.
“Unfortunately, this valuable community space, was increasingly being used for anti-social behaviour including property damage, graffiti, alcohol consumption, assaults, arson, as well as theft from, and of motor vehicles,” she said.
“It’s important to council that all our residents feel that they live in a safe community.
“The park’s security infrastructure and overall amenity needed to be improved.
Cr Stapledon said in February a community barbecue was held to mark the closure of the park, seek feedback on the proposed plans and the start of the revitalisation.
“With the communities input, the past seven months have seen significant improvements made to the park and, from an infrastructure perspective, I believe that the project has achieved its goals,” she said.
“Revitalisation projects such as this one help to instil a sense of community pride and ownership, and there is much to be proud of.
“I hope that the community embraces this project and takes ownership of the park.”
