By Michael Doran
The proposed Warburton Community Precinct is moving towards reality with design work completed and tendering ready to start.
In August the council approved the planning permit and Cr Jim Child said calling for tenders was another significant step completed.
Yarra Ranges council has committed $2.8 million to Stage 1 of the project and expects construction will commence in 2019.
“The Warburton community has been the driving force behind this project,” Cr. Child said.
“The Warburton Sports Centre Committee and Warburton Advancement League played a strong role in contributing to the community consultation process and working with council to ensure the community’s needs were met when it came to providing a regional water play attraction and playspace.”
“I’d like to thank both the committee and advancement league for contributing funding to the playspace”
The advancement league is contributing $20,000 and the sports centre $120,000, for the provision of playspace items.
Images of Stage 1 show the waterplay splash pad, junior playground, rain garden, picnic and barbecue facilities and the toilet block.
The precinct has been constructed to both reflect and fit-in with the Warburton environment. Natural materials will be used in the play equipment and the local history is reflected in the log slide, train engine and water dumper. The rocks and ferns of the creek bed blend the precinct into the surrounding setting.
Stage 2 of the project is planned to include a tennis court and multi-purpose court, a ropes course, tower slide and a carpark.
Funding is being sought from the State Government’s Sport and Recreation Victoria Community Sport Infrastructure Fund Program and the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
Warburton residents needing to cool off will miss out this summer but it should be all systems go in the new precinct in 2109.
