Penders Park will be given new life as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $10 million Parks Revitalisation Grants Program.

Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous, announced $300,000 in funding to support the revitalisation of Penders Park in Thornbury with a brand new, all abilities play space.

Darebin Council will be allocated the funds to undertake the upgrades, which will support the second stage of Penders’ Park Masterplan. The first stage was completed in September 2020.

“Ever since I first met with local parents about Penders Park, getting the park upgraded has been a priority of mine. After raising it with Darebin Council and working with the Andrews Government, I’m thrilled to have secured funding for the second stage to come together,” Ms Theophanous said.

The upgrade will create a space to accommodate the changing needs of the diverse and growing community in Northcote, including an accessible inground trampoline, inclusive flying fox with harness, forest rope climbing challenge with an inclusive spider net and a timber space on an accessible surface.

The renewal of shared outdoor spaces across the Electorate of Northcote has been a focus for the Member for Northcote, with significant upgrades to sporting grounds, a new pocket park and an upgrade to Alphington Park also funded by the State Government.

“Our community deserves fresh, inclusive and sustainable spaces for all abilities. These projects are making a real difference to how we use our open spaces in our inner urban suburbs,” she said.

The Parks Revitalisation Grants for 41 parks and reserves across Melbourne are part of the $154 million Suburban Parks Program, which is also investing $35 million for 29 new pocket parks and $5 million for up to 16 new off-leash dog parks.

This bold program to deliver quality open space to Melburnians will also create jobs in industries such as construction, design and landscaping as Victoria rebuilds from the economic impacts of coronavirus.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous

“Open spaces are absolutely vital to the inner north. It’s important that we keep investing in them to make sure they’re meeting the needs of our growing suburbs.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Melbourne’s open spaces are at the heart of our city and provide social, economic, environmental and health and wellbeing benefits to our communities. We are investing in projects to improve our open space network now, to ensure we meet the needs of the community in the future.”

“By partnering with councils to deliver improvements to existing parks, we are investing in projects that will meet the unique needs of local communities.”