Victoria Park Walk

 Walk Report February 29.

 

Another cool 8.30am start, on the last day of summer, saw 28 walkers assemble on the Sturt St., service road, adjacent to Victoria Park. Once again we were delighted to welcome another new member, Raelene Peuker. Leader, Anne Ottrey, provided the group with an information sheet relating to the establishment of the park and then proceeded to take us on a most educational, and enjoyable, tour of the 131 ha. site.

 

After years of extensive gold mining, evidenced by the mullock heap, Mount Holled Smith, the park was established on May 23, 1890, Victoria’s first Arbor Day. The plan was to create a London style park so 3000 trees were planted by several city councillors, the mayor and 33 community groups, including the Agricultural Society, Bellringers Society, Old Colonists and Deceased Councillors. Yes, they are listed! Each was given specific trees to plant in designated areas and the job was done in one day – a fine example of community spirit and cooperation.

 

The site includes avenues named after the European trees planted along them, Cedar, Plane, Oak, Poplar and Elm, plus Cypress trees and many smaller stands, including Pine, Ash, Maples and Cork Oaks, dotted through the park in the extensive native grasslands. There was also a caretaker’s cottage surrounded by raised beds of colourful flowers – all long gone.

 

During World War Two, the park was used as a military base, predominately American servicemen, commemorated by two canon at the entrance to Cedar Ave. From 1944 to 1967, car rallies and motorcycle racing were conducted. A sealed velodrome operated for many years up to 1974 and is now a large, grassy depression. On the day of our walk, the park was the designated Base Camp for Fire and Emergency Services engaged in fighting extensive bush and grass fires to the west of Ballarat.

 

The site now includes 13 ovals, clubrooms, equestrian grounds, walking trails, lakes, BBQ facilities, an extensive Inclusive Playground, a UDisc Disc Golf Course and a small rotunda.

The Lungs of the City – A Park for the People, according to the City of Ballarat. Indeed.

 

A huge thank you to Anne for her knowledge, preparation and leadership, ably assisted by our Whip, Helen Bosher.