Two new trails will be developed in Jells Park in Melbourne’s east after community feedback identified a preference for more varied trail experiences.
Parks Victoria had proposed a single 5km loop through the vast 127 hectare site.
Now there will be two new shared-use trails including a bushland trail on a scenic route through the park’s open green spaces.
This trail will provide an opportunity for people to explore the natural landscapes of Jells Park, with minimal impacts on native flora and fauna.
The second, shorter lake trail will loop around the café and playspaces, showcasing views of the lake. This trail will feature a level grade and extra lighting, wayfinding signage and distance markers at key milestones.
Both will be about three metres wide, however the surface materials, amenity (such as lighting) and grades will vary to cater to different levels of ability and activity.
Jells Park is an ideal destination for riders as it connects into metropolitan Melbourne's trail network at several points.
The main Dandenong Creek Trail runs north-south through Jells Park, linking the Eastlink Track, Scotchmans Creek pathway and the Knox bike track (near Nortons Park).
Parks Victoria's regional director for Melbourne, Sofia De Lesantis, said she was excited to see the project progressing with the community’s views incorporated: “The shared-use trails will provide visitors with a wonderful opportunity to get active and explore the outdoors by walking, running or cycling through the park’s many different green spaces.”
As well as the $5.9 million trail investment, recent upgrades have included barbecues, drinking fountains, picnic tables and shelters at the southern and eastern picnic areas. New accessible toilets are soon to come.
An upcoming project to transform the park's two main ovals will provide local cricket clubs with fit-for-purpose cricket pitches and a small pavilion.
Construction starts in the middle of this year.
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