Local community members and visitors to the Dandenong Ranges will soon enjoy an even better experience when visiting the Olinda Precinct, with upgraded carparking, new visitor facilities and improved pathways and access planned for the popular parklands on Wurundjeri Country.
Parks Victoria has released designs for the next stage of works being delivered as part of the Olinda Precinct Plan, which is transforming the former Olinda Golf Course into 34 hectares of community parklands.
As part of the Stage 2 works, key design features include:
- Improved car parking, to maximise parking spaces, while working sensitively around tree protection zones to preserve the existing native trees in the precinct.
- A 'kiss-and-go' drop off area, to streamline traffic during training and matches.
- A new shelter overlooking the Olinda Green, which will look to re-use bricks from the existing fireplace shelter. This is something many community members expressed they would like to see in the new design.
- Additional facilities for a great day out in the park, which may include new toilets, barbecues, seating and drinking fountains.
- Improved pathways and connections, making it easier for people to safely move throughout the precinct.
These design features are subject to ongoing review of project costs in the current market conditions, on-ground and construction industry conditions, and environmental and cultural heritage assessments. The designs may change as the project progresses.
Pictured above: A design render showing plans for the sheltered picnic area overlooking the Olinda Green.
These upgrades will provide more accessible facilities for people of all-abilities to experience this beautiful bushland and benefit from time spent in nature.
The Olinda Precinct Plan was developed in consultation with the community and finalised in 2017. In August 2022 Parks Victoria also invited the community to share their feedback on shelter options and what kind of food and beverage offering they would like to see at the precinct. This valuable community feedback has been used to inform the designs.
In addition to the upgraded carparking, visitor facilities and pathways and access, opportunities for a new food and beverage offering are being explored, to replace the former Golf Clubhouse and Café. Expressions of interest have been sought, with an outcome to be announced in the coming months.
Pictured above: Improvements to the car park will maximise spaces, and a kiss-and-go drop off zone will be created to streamline traffic during training and matches.
The Olinda Precinct Stage 2 project has been funded via $3.4 million from the Victorian Government, with works expected to commence in mid-2024, subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, environmental and cultural assessments, as well as planning approvals.
Meanwhile, at the neighbouring Olinda Recreation Reserve, works are underway to deliver new and upgraded netball and cricket practice facilities, as part of a $7.67 million investment from the Victorian Government. The new sporting facilities will provide more opportunities for people to connect with each other, get active outdoors and participate in community sport.
These works follow the completion of the new Olinda Playspace, toilets and picnic facilities in 2019, and a new sporting oval and the Olinda Green recreation area completed in 2020.
