Gallipoli Park re-opens as Marysville continues to rebuild

Sat 9 April 2011

Marysville’s popular Gallipoli Park precinct has been officially re-opened to the public for the first time since the devastating Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. The $1.8 million park redevelopment which includes a state-of-the-art children’s playground and reflective garden was officially opened on Saturday.

Gallipoli Park suffered significant damage in the 2009 bushfires, including the loss of the town’s kindergarten, and the restoration of the park has been a community effort, led by the local council with input and provision of resources from businesses, groups and individuals.

The outcome is truly inspirational, striking a thoughtful balance between a place of quiet reflection and a place representing new life in the town. The park restoration comprises three main components – the Kin Playspace, Reflective Garden and the New Life Sculpture.

The playspace is state-of-the-art and has a range of equipment including an elevated sandpit, slides, roundabout, rope climbing net, flying foxes and swings.

The Reflective Garden provides a main entry into Gallipoli Park and features a gazebo and ‘garden rooms’, and the New Life Sculpture, designed and produced by local artist Bruno Torfs, is a permanent symbol of new life in community.

Stage one of the Gallipoli Park restoration was funded by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund and a range of private donors. Further restorative works will continue as part of stage two including new paths, landscaping, additional signage and new park furniture.

For more information about works in the Marysville and Triangle region visit the Marysville Rebuilding Advisory Centre and Community Facility or go to www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au