Project description

The park will be delivered in stages, with exciting features planned to be delivered as part of the current stage 1 works.

Stage 1 works will include:

• An incredible multi-level playground with a variety of play zones and experiences including two 20m-long embankment slides. This play space will cater for a wide variety of ages from the very young to adventurous adults.
• Cardinia Shire’s first purpose-built Parkour Zone will incorporate a mixture of obstacles of different heights, angles and shapes. This space will allow users of all ages and abilities to create their own moves and motion through the space.
• Fitness stairs and equipment – The community’s desire for running stairs for fitness purposes has been recognised after the community consultation and has been incorporated into the design of Officer District Park. The fitness appeal of this park is also enhanced by the 1km loop track which runs around the hillside incorporating several exercise equipment stations along the way.
• A lookout from the top of the hillside will allow the community to appreciate the amazing views over the southern part of the Shire and out to Western Port.
• Public toilets and picnic facilities will be constructed at the central plaza area.
• A wetland area
• Mindfulness signage will be incorporated to encourage people to be present in the moment and take time to nurture their mental health.
• A dedicated dog off leash area, where both people and pooches can enjoy social interaction and experiencing the outdoors together.

Pending future pending, the next stages of construction may include a regional-level skate park, mountain boarding tracks and a cafe.

Have your say on the park’s new name

Council is inviting the community to have their say on a new name for Officer District Park.

In partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and the Koori Kids, 6 indigenous names are being put forward as potential new names for the landmark park.

All 6 traditional names have been approved by Geographical Naming Victoria and are now being presented to the community for their feedback.

The names include:

• Kar Din Yarr (Look to the rising sun)
• Ngerwin (The Sun/Sunny)
• Djeembana (A place to meet)
• Karrbul Mile (High Hill)
• Karrbul Biik (High land (vantage point))
• Torongo (Heart)

Due the park’s position on top of a hill with views over the southern part of the Shire and out to Western Port, it is considered as a culturally significant lookout point for the Traditional Owners, and it was deemed appropriate for the ultimate name to be in Bunurong Language.

In 2022, Council engaged over 200 Koori students from 21 different local schools across Cardinia Shire to brainstorm a shortlist of potential names. The students were given a list of relevant words in Bunurong Language, along with the English translation which they could use for inspiration or suggest their own.  These were then grouped to create a shortlist. Since then, Council has also consulted the Bunurong Land Council to obtain approval to use these names.

Have your say on the new name for Officer District Park

Funding

Officer District Park is supported and funded by Council, the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

Progress update

Stage 1 progress

Works on stage 1 of Officer District Park are now underway.

Warrandale Industries are the contractor for stage 1 construction of Officer District Park.

Construction is currently on track for completion in late 2024.

Majority of the extensive civil works and soil removal works have now been completed. The completion of these works will reduce the dust and number of trucks in the area.

The footpaths, running stairs and playground equipment installation is now underway onsite, and the design of the public restrooms is also taking shape, with a unique two-level facility required to service the split-level design of the play space.

Stage 2 planning- skate park design

Council has partnered with Convic, the skate park design experts to design and develop the new Regional Skate Park at Officer District Park.

Naming consultation

Consultation on the new name is now open and will close 10 June 2024.

The final name for the park will be unveiled to the community at the opening event for Stage 1 in late 2024.

Have your say on the new name for Officer District Park