PLANS are being drawn up for a $700,000 “active recreation hub” at Mount Martha’s Eco Park, in Glenisla Drive.
Mornington Peninsula Shire’s infrastructure strategy and climate change manager Davey Smith said the project is expected to be completed within 18 months, depending on the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Outgoing Briars Ward councillors Bev Colomb and Rosie Clark pushed for the upgrade of the existing reserve with a “modest” skate/scooter bowl and skate/bike/scooter loop.
Other features will include play equipment, picnic tables with shade cloth, scooter path, parkour equipment, flying fox, basket swing, and multi-use ball court.
Construction of an active recreation hub was endorsed by the council last October as being the most appropriate model for a new recreation area at Mount Martha.
Community consultation generated 188 submissions, with about 32 per cent opposed to the redevelopment and 68 per cent in support.
Of those in support, 14 per cent had concerns about car parking and 17 per cent wanted a bigger skate park.
Those supporting the playground concept said they preferred a new scooter loop/pump track and skate/scooter bowl, while those against did not want a skate bowl.
Officers said Mount Martha Primary School’s council opposed a skate bowl. They said they had received mixed feedback with some submitters strongly against including any skate elements and some supporting the skate bowl. Others suggested the skate elements were “too basic and do not meet the needs of skaters as they do not provide enough of a challenge”.
The Glenisla Road site follows the shire backing away from building a skate park near Mount Martha Tennis Club.
First published in the Mornington News – 8 September 2020
