An unused section of a Laverton North recreation reserve has been transformed into a sporting and recreational hub.
Wyndham council has completed a $3.7 million upgrade of Lawrie Emmins reserve at the corner of Sayers Road and Palmers Road.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw, chief executive Stephen Wall and councillors recently joined Laverton MP Sarah Connolly and Development and Precincts Minister Harriet Shing for the official opening of the reserve’s new Gateway and Youth Precinct.
Construction of the precinct started in February 2024.
The upgrade features a skate park, basketball and netball courts, a climbing wall and outdoor fitness equipment, offering plenty of options for young people to spend time outdoors and be active, Wyndham council said.
Residents can also enjoy two shaded shelters with picnic facilities, a spacious grassed gathering area with a volleyball court, newly landscaped surroundings, a toilet block, car parking and other amenities.
Cr Shaw said the upgrade delivered a great space for Wyndham’s young people – particularly those in Laverton North, Williams Landing and Truganina – to engage in sport and have fun.
“These fantastic additions to Lawrie Emmins Reserve have created a new valuable open space for our community and is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality recreational facilities for our residents,” she said.
“This project forms part of the broader Lawrie Emmins Reserve Master Plan that council adopted in 2019, which has also delivered a redeveloped motocross track.”
Bemin Ward councillor Preet Singh, added: “This new reserve boasts fantastic new facilities our community will love and enjoy, leading to healthier and happier lives”.
“I encourage families to come and enjoy this fantastic new facility.”
The state government contributed $1.5 million to the Gateway and Youth Precinct.
When launching the project last February, Ms Connolly said the 70-hectare facility would be of great benefit to the local community.
“Through projects like this we are helping to build thriving places and connected communities, where people live their best lives in the company of family, friends and neighbours,” she said at the time.
