Crowning glory

IN 1997 the Lions Club embarked on a major environmental project in partnership with the Shire of Yarra Ranges and Parks Victoria, to redevelop Coronation Park, the old Healesville Caravan Park in River Street, which was overgrown with weeds and blackberries and the Watts River choking with fallen trees and rubbish.
Initial funding, $10,000 from each partner got the project started. Melbourne Water cleared the river, Correctional Services (Vic) cleared most of the weeds and blackberries, then with plants supplied by the Shire of Yarra Ranges, public planting days were held over several years with help from schools, CFA and SES volunteers, Scouts, Guides, environment groups and individual community members, transforming the park into a useable community space.
Using the initial grants and with further funding from the Lions Club and the Australian Lions Foundation, walking paths, tables and seating, car park asphalting, a gazebo and a pedestrian bridge have all been built, and established Pinoak trees planted.