Detailed planning and a lengthy heritage process were among the reasons for delayed construction of a community park in Kyneton, according to Macedon Ranges council.
Responding to concerns about the length of time it has taken for work to start on the $940,000 park at Kyneton Botanical Gardens, community wellbeing director Karen Stevens said a lot of work had taken place behind the scenes.
“In the past 18 months, council has worked with landscape architects to translate concept design into detailed designs ready for construction,” she said.
“[It’s also] worked with Heritage Victoria to obtain the required permit to proceed with works … a lengthy process.”
As reported by Star Weekly, former Kyneton Community Park president Amy Cockroft said nothing had been done since funding was pledged in 2012 and plans drawn up early last year.
The project was handed over to council early 2015.
Ms Stevens said efforts to select a supplier for major play features, including a ropes course and giant swing, and a donation drive to obtain items such as tractors, rocks and timber for displays, had also taken time.
Preliminary work, including the removal of 29 trees in advanced states of decline, will start this week. It is expected to be finished in six months.
