NEWS DESK
Skatepark a fit with recreation hub plan Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au ELEVEN years after it was first suggested, Mt Martha seems set to have its own skatepark. Mornington Peninsula Shire is inviting public comment on plans to build the skatepark as part of a revamp of the playground opposite Mt Martha Primary School, in Glenisla Drive. A public meeting was held on Monday night to discuss the plans and online comments will be accepted up until 5 January next year. The $500,000 plans outlined to councillors at their 22 October meeting describe the Eco Park playground as an active recreation hub that will include a skate and scooter bowl with pockets, hips, waterfalls and transfers; play equipment; scooter path; a flying fox; basket swing; multiuse ball court; and shaded picnic tables. The accompanying report by sport and recreation team leader Mark Stahel, open space project officer Nicole Fitzpatrick says shire officers had been investigating options for a skatepark in Mt Martha for “several years”. The need for a skatepark was first flagged in the shire’s 2008 Skate and BMX Strategy. Four years later, officers proposed spending $850,000 building a skatepark near the tennis courts on the corner of Kilburn Grove and The Esplanade. However, this plan was finally dropped following opposition by Mt Martha Tennis Club which was leasing the land from the shire and had its own plans for new courts where the skatepark was set to go (“Back to the start for skatepark” The News 20/8/18). This time around building a skatepark at Eco Park is seen as “a good option for redevelopment
of the existing playground park area”. “The redevelopment is proposed to include elements of formal and informal play, as well as incorporating some beginner skate and scooter facilities,” the officers’ report states. Time taken in finding an acceptable site has also led to changes in the “traditional model of a skate facility … while specific purpose-built skate parks are still being provided, recent trends have been towards making these spaces more diverse in their use with other sporting, recreation and play opportunities”. “The provision of a skate and active hub will attract a community that is likely to stay longer in comparison to a traditional skate facility.” Providing a public toilet is estimated to cost an extra $300,000. If the toilet is included the all up cost will be closer to the $850,000 originally quoted for the much more elaborate skatepark near the tennis courts. On Friday (22 November) the shire issued a news release inviting comment on its plans for Eco Park. “Council is committed to providing recreational facilities and spaces for our young people and families for all to enjoy,” the mayor Cr Sam Hearn said. “We know how important recreational spaces are to our youth here on the Peninsula. Let us know your thoughts”. An online survey and view the draft concept plans are at: mornpen.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay while forms will be available to complete in hard copy at the shire’s Rosebud, Hastings, Mornington and Somerville offices.
Christmas cheer: Santa speaks with children on the vintage steam locomotive K163 built in 1941. Picture: Supplied
All aboard the Santa special WITH that festive time of the year fast approaching, Santa is planning a return to Mornington Railway. Mornington Railway Preservation Society says its Santa Specials will return on Sundays 1, 8, 15 and 22 December, with two special afternoon departures on Saturdays 14 and 21 December. The rides give children and families the chance to enjoy some Christmas spirit while also experiencing the delights of the heritage railway which opened in 1889. The vintage steam locomotive K163, built in 1941, will be doing the hauling on the one hour return ride. Other activities to keep families entertained include a jumping castle, Christmas tree decorating, plaster painting, Santa's Mailbox and photo opportunities with Santa. Hot and cold food and
drinks will be available at the Moorooduc kiosk. The Mornington courtesy bus will take passengers to Main Street, where they can have lunch before returning on a later train. The Saturday timetable is Moorooduc: 4pm and 6.30pm; Mornington: 4.30pm and 7pm (one-way trip). The Sunday timetable is Moorooduc: 10.30am, 12pm, 1.45pm and 3pm; Mornington: 11am, 12.30pm, 2.15pm and 3.30pm (one-way trip). Ticket are adults return: $24; single $16. Concessions: $19 return only; children’s return (4-16): $13; single $10. Family return (2A-2C): $59. Children under four free. The Mornington Railway Preservation Society is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers interested in preserving Victoria’s rail heritage.
Mornington News
26 November 2019
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