A new urban bike park and youth activation space has opened at Morrison Reserve in Mt Evelyn creating a welcoming place for young people to connect, be active and spend time outdoors.
Member for Eastern Victoria, the Hon. Harriet Shing MP, Yarra Ranges Mayor Richard Higgins and Billanook Ward Councillor Tim Heenan officially opened the facility on Wednesday, 7 October.
Ms. Shing said having been onsite for the sod turn and the opening of the play space last year, it was terrific to come back and see another part of this precinct complete.
“The urban bike park is part of the $3.85 million Morrison Reserve Youth Activation Project, the Victorian Government has invested more than $2.6 million through the Growing Suburbs Fund, alongside Yarra Ranges Council.
From the pump track and snake run to jumps, berms and drops, this fantastic all-abilities space has something for beginners right through to experienced riders.
This is a fantastic investment in a place for young people and families to get active, connect and enjoy for years to come,” said Ms Shing.
The space was designed in consultation with the local community. Consistent feedback asked for engaging infrastructure that would encourage social interaction and connectedness for young people, as well as improved bike infrastructure in the region.
Councillor for Billanook Ward, Cr Tim Heenan, said the feedback helped shape the design and delivery of the new facilities.
“Community engagement highlighted the need for opportunities for young people to have positive places to spend time close to home,” Cr Heenan said.
“Bike parks and play spaces deliver significant community benefit by creating welcoming spaces that encourage physical activity, social connection and outdoor recreation for people of all ages and abilities,” he said.
The Morrison Reserve Urban Bike Park features flow trails, jump lines and an asphalt snake run, offering a range of riding experiences ensuring everyone can enjoy the tracks, no matter their age, skill or experience.
Alongside the bike facilities, new seating, viewing areas, landscaping and youth-focused spaces create opportunities for people to stay, socialise and connect, whether they are riding or simply spending time with friends and family.
“Young people need places where they can come together, be active and build positive connections with each other, and that’s exactly what this new space is designed to support,” said Cr Heenan.
“It’s about creating a place where young people can meet their friends, try something new, develop their skills and feel a sense of belonging in their local community.”
The broader Morrison Reserve Master Plan aims to improve the reserve’s sport and recreation facilities, respond to identified community needs and opportunities, and account for the area’s projected population growth.
Stage 1 of the Master Plan delivered a renewed playspace, while Stage 2 has delivered the urban bike park and complementary youth activation spaces.
Cr Heenan noted that a recreation space of this calibre is a wonderful outcome for the Mt Evelyn community.
“We’ve passionately advocated for this project and were pleased to receive a $2.6 million contribution from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
“This State Government support, combined with Council’s $1.2 million contribution, has allowed us to deliver this beautiful new play space and bike park for the Mt Evelyn and broader local community.
“It’s wonderful to see this long-term project and investment come to life, creating a space for our community to enjoy for many years to come,” Cr Heenan said.
Native planting, landscaping and accessible connections throughout the precinct further enhance the space, creating a welcoming environment for riders, families, spectators and the broader community.
The site was designed by Emerge Associates in conjunction with Common Ground and brought to life by Warrendale Industries.
The project was made possible through funding from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
The Morrison Reserve Urban Bike Park and Youth Activation Space officially opened on 7 October. A traffic management plan will be in place for the first two weeks including additional on-site signage, electronic signage on surrounding roads, and personnel onsite to assist and direct visiting motorists.
