By Mikayla van Loon
The final works at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve have been finished as part of the two years worth of upgrades to the premier open space for Kilsyth.
Funded through the equal partnership from Yarra Ranges Council and the State government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, the $1.4 million project completion was officially celebrated on Thursday 7 September.
For local residents, Friends of Elizabeth Bridge Reserve volunteers and community users, the park upgrades have been a welcome addition to the existing features.
“It was used [before] but to have it tidied up and have further things happening now has given it life,” Friends of Elizabeth Bridge Reserve volunteer Des Cox said.
“If we look back to when we first started off, it was used but now there’s cars coming all the time, it’s a big meeting place and more and more people are coming all the time, so it is an asset.”
With extra lighting added for safety, improved pathways, a larger car parking area, a bush kinder, picnic shelters, gym equipment and better sports facilities on the oval, the upgrades have increased usability.
For councillor Len Cox who has seen the growth and change of the reserve since it was acquired as open space, he said it is marvellous for the community to have such facilities.
“I have to confess I was on council when we bought this land…it was one of the best buys I think I’ve ever seen outside of Lillydale Lake,” he said.
“In this area it’s been such an important part of Kilsyth and the use of it is increasing all the time.”
Cr Cox said the Elizabeth Bridge Reserve will only get better with the addition of the 150 Cambridge Road land linking up to already existing parkland.
Helping to launch the works officially was Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Sonja Terpstra who said it was a privilege to see how collaborative work between state and local governments results in great outcomes for the community.
“The Elizabeth Bridge Recreation Reserve is a favourite meeting place and hub for social and community activities,” she said.
“It’s so important to have really open green spaces so close to local homes. It’s great when you can just sneak out of your house and walk across the road or come to a park rather than having to hop in your car and drive long distances.”
Living adjacent to the reserve Mr Cox said to look out over his back fence and just see greenery in the middle of suburbia is a blessing.
“It’s building out all over the place and this is becoming like an island,” he said.
“The council has two things to be very proud of.”
As a volunteer group who look after the flora on a monthly basis, Friends of Elizabeth Bridge Reserve are always looking for more volunteers to keep up with the scale of work.
