By Oliver Lees
Hume council has applied for funding to revitalise the lesser-known Sunbury Park.
Occupying six hectares at the corner of Harker and Jackson streets, Sunbury Park is just a short distance from the town centre and features a range of historic mature trees.
Council has been implementing its masterplan for the space since 2015, and the primary function of the park is as an off leash dog park.
Council urban and open space manager Greg McLaren told Star Weekly that the application for $350,000 through the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund will help develop the space with a focus on natural and exploratory play.
“It’s about trying to encourage people to come into nature and explore the different elements and the trees,” Mr McLaren said.
“The funding through the growing suburbs is for the continuation of pathway networks, new furniture, landscaping and nature play.”
Sunbury MP Josh Bull, who has written to the local government minister to support council’s application, said the town would benefit from a revamped Sunbury Park.
“This one is quite unique,” Mr Bull said.
“It’s an area that I think is so central, but it’s not known by many people, you sort of have to look it up and go ‘oh that’s where it is’.
“The need for that quality open space is really important, and we’ve seen that through COVID-19.”
Speaking at a council meeting last week, councillor Jarrod Bell admitted he was not aware of the park until he became a councillor, but said he hoped a further upgrade would make it more attractive to residents and visitors.
“I’ve lived in Sunbury my entire life, and when I think of Sunbury Park, I would always think of the Nook,” Cr Bell said.
“A park that will be a fantastic green open space for our community to visit … I’m really excited about that.”
