Torongo Park, formerly referred to as Officer District Park, will be a regional 10-hectare adventure and nature park.
Located on Lansell Avenue in Officer, Torongo Park will provide several new opportunities for the local community to recreate, socialise, play, and connect.
The Torongo Park location was selected as part of the Cardinia Road Precinct Structure Plan. The Park’s masterplan and detailed designs were also developed with extensive community consultation.
Project description
The park is being delivered in stages, with exciting features currently being constructed as part of the stage 1 works.
Stage 1 includes:
- 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 Torongo Park. The fitness appeal of this park is also enhanced by the 1km loop track which runs around the hillside incorporating two 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.
- A dedicated dog off leash area, where both people and pooches can enjoy social interaction and experiencing the outdoors together.
- Public toilets and picnic facilities will be constructed at the central plaza area. There will also be shelters and seating provided in the play spaces and dog off leash area.
- A wetland area
Pending future pending, the next stages of construction may include a regional-level skate park, mountain boarding tracks and a cafe.
Funding
Torongo Park is supported and funded by Council, the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, the Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program and the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.
Progress update
Works on stage 1 are now underway, with Warrandale Industries constructing the park as the head contractor.
Construction is currently on track for completion in late 2024.
Stage 1 progress
- Majority of the extensive civil works and soil removal works are complete. The completion of these works will reduce the dust and number of trucks in the area.
- The concrete footpath and trail network are almost complete.
- The playground equipment installation continues.
- The design of the public restrooms is taking shape with a unique two-level facility required to service the split–level design of the playspace. Construction of this facility will start in the coming weeks.
- The construction of the dog off leash area has started.
- Landscaping works have started
The park’s new name
In May 2024, Council invited the community to have their say on a new name for Officer District Park.
In partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and around 200 local Koori Kids, 6 indigenous names were developed and put forward as potential new names for the landmark park.
‘Torongo’ was chosen as the preferred name by the broader community.
The name Torongo is significant because it means “heart” in the Bunurong language. This name was chosen to recognise and reflect the cultural and historical importance of the area, as well as to honour the Bunurong people and their connection to the land.
Have your say on Officer District Park
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.
Project Highlights
- Works started in October 2023
- The footpaths, running stairs and playground equipment installation is now underway
- Stage 1 is expected to be completed by late 2024, conditions permitting.
Pictures