By Alesha Capone
The lawns are looking lovelier and the trees more terrific at several of Wyndham’s parks.
Wyndham council has upgraded 47 parks within the past financial year, as part of its $11.4 million Wyndham Parks 2021 project.
The council last week announced the 2018-19 stage of the project had been completed, including the installation of 5500 plants; paving almost 3000 square metres of new walking paths; and installing 70 new park benches.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said Wyndham Parks 2021 was one of the council’s major initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles. Overall, the project aims to upgrade 200 parks across the municipality.
“We know that spending time in your local park – whether for exercising, playing with your children or simply relaxing – can bring significant benefits to people’s mental and physical health,” Cr Shaw said.
One of the outdoor areas the council recently upgraded is W. Ison Reserve in Werribee.
The reserve has a new playground, nature play area, half-court basketball court, trees, seats and a habitat garden to provide a home to wildlife. The reserve is named in honour of William Ison, one of Werribee’s earliest residents.
The Ison family has lived in the area for six generations, and 68-year-old Lindsay Ison has lived near the reserve for more than four decades.
Mr Ison said he regularly takes his grandchildren – including granddaughters Lily and Daisy, and grandson Slater – to the park.
“All he wants to do is go to the park,” Mr Ison said. “It’s also good to have the paths there, I can walk around there.”
Mr Ison said his own children used to play at the reserve, and he could also remember the days when Carols by Candlelight events were held there.
