Plan to spruce park

By Kelly Yates
A $2 MILLION makeover of Kurll Park in Narre Warren North could soon be on the cards.
The draft master plan is Casey Council’s first long-term plan for the use and appearance of the park, which is part of the former Narre Warren Landfill site.
Some of the key elements of the proposed plan include an open terrace with seating and picnic facilities, viewing platforms, two entry points, extensive landscaping of entry roads, car parks designed to meet the needs of Casey’s equestrian community, lookouts within the park, and additional planting.
The upgrade is set to be staged over a number of years. Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said the future development of the site was an exciting prospect for the community.
“Kurll Park is a significant site and recognisable as part of the Casey foothills,” she said.
“While the site has many constraints associated with its past lives as a quarry and landfill, with careful and considered planning, we will be able to create an enduring and usable space, offering a wide range of benefits to residents.”
Judy Ellis, secretary of the Narre Warren North Community Association, told the News the development of the park was a long time coming.
“It’s a really good thing if it draws the right people to the area,” she said.
“There’s lots of vandalism up here at the moment.” Ms Ellis, who has been living in Narre Warren North for 45 years, said on clear days people could see across to Port Phillip Bay from Kurll Park.
Cr Wreford said action was needed to preserve the piece of open space as urban development had reached the boundary of the park.
“When the land was gifted to the City of Casey in 1974, it was envisioned that Kurll Park would become one of the most popular and beautiful parks in the district. This is our chance to finally fulfil this vision,” she said.
The draft master plan is available for public comment and residents are encouraged to have their say and provide feedback in writing by 30 April. A copy of the plan for Kurll Park can be viewed at City of Casey customer service centres in Narre Warren, Narre Warren South and Cranbourne or online at www.casey.vic.gov.au