Bendigo’s Ewing Park Recreation Precinct to include bouldering walls, skate park and cycling trail

A partnership between The City of Greater Bendigo and the Victorian Government will see construction commence of a $3.37 million stage 2 major redevelopment of the Ewing Park Recreation Precinct at the start of November 2021.

This project will deliver a multi-purpose community and sporting precinct that will support recreation and participation for people of all ages and abilities. Environmentally sustainable design will also be reflected through landscaping and urban greening, water sensitive urban design and the use of recycled materials where possible.

The Ewing Park Recreation Precinct is bordered by Brougham Street, Williamson Street, Harcourt Street and Havlin Street West and is home to the United Cricket Club, Sandhurst Junior Football Club and St Therese’s Junior Football Club.  It is close to the Bendigo City Centre and has strong connections to the popular Bendigo Back Creek Walking and Cycling Trail.

The stage 2 works will include construction of:

• A district level skate park featuring mini bowl, ledges, quarter pipe, flat bar, Eurogap, down rail, hubbas, stairs, shade, seating, drinking fountain

• A learn to ride park and play space featuring a roundabout, pedestrian crossings, speed humps, different surfaces to practice on, natural and built play equipment, shade and seating

• A shade shelter

• A cycling trail hub shelter with repair station

• Public toilet facilities with three unisex cubicles (one ambulatory and two accessible)

• Picnic/viewing area and seating zones

• Bouldering/climbing and rebound walls

• Outdoor fitness equipment

• New car parks in Havlin Street West and Harcourt Street

• Parkland areas with walking paths, barbecue facilities, seating, drinking fountains, landscaping and tree planting

City of Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Director Vicky Mason said the second stage of the redevelopment is an exciting, major project that focuses on creating infrastructure for non-organised, active and passive activity opportunities.

Mason notes “Importantly, it will cater for children, young people, families and people of all ages, abilities and cultures.

“It will also build on the recent $1.6 million first stage improvements completed in 2020 which included construction of a new oval with irrigation system, construction of a dual lane, synthetic walking/running track and a picket fence around the perimeter of the oval and the installation of AFL standard LED training lights.

“The project incorporates the Universal Design Principle requirements of Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Design for Everyone Guide and includes a continuous, accessible 2.5 metre path of travel to link with all facilities within Ewing Park and the Back Creek Trail.

“There will also be colour contrasts to indicate distinct levels as well as various zones and accessible facilities throughout the site.

“We expect that this major project, due to its accessibility and proximity to larger community catchments, will be well utilised and become a destination park for many in our community and for visitors to Greater Bendigo as well.”

The $3.37 million stage 2 project is funded by a $2.89 million grant from the Victorian Government Department of Sport and Recreation Victoria and $480,000 from the City of Greater Bendigo.

Work will commence in November 2021 and is expected to be complete by June 2023.