LRP and Council Meet to Discuss Improvements at Redmond Park

We met recently with the Council to discuss ways in which the park might be improved. Now just because we had this discussion does not mean that the matters raised are going to bring forth action on all fronts! However, if we can make some of them happen and nudge some of the others a little along the way we will be making progress.

Installation of a mains water point in the park. There is presently no drinking water available in the park.

Installation of a power point on the playground side of the park (including an upgrading of the existing power supply to 3 phase).

Installation of new multilingual tree signage in the park - A community artist has slate signage painted, yacht-varnished and ready to install. Council to ensure that all bases are sound and to assist us in replacing old signs with these new ones.

Landscaping around toilet - Volunteers have placed bark mulch around the base meaning that there is now much less risk of trips. It also looks much better. Would benefit from planting of some shrubs.

Installation of double display panel near entrance with one panel for history and one for nature/biodiversity.

Removal of one bin and replacing of other (near entrance) with larger segregated bin (dry recyclable and non-recyclable waste – our volunteers to take and store the former in a green bin in the lockup area).

Adult exercise equipment - Install small exercise circuit near front of the park with items sufficiently robust and easy to maintain. Move existing adult exercise items to the location chosen for the exercise circuit.

Security and lock-up - Matter of opening and closing of the park gates by Council personnel to be looked at as it has been very inconsistent over the past year.

Under this heading we also discussed the proposed new entrance to the park from Dr Furlong’s carpark. We also discussed the possibility of formalising access from Parklands. The former proposal is a good thing … and it’s potentially a bad thing: good in that it provides safe (and ample) off-road parking, possibly not so good in that given the inconsistency in locking/unlocking the park’s gates at present, one cannot but be concerned that there will soon be two gates suffering from this inconsistency (3 if a gate goes in at the Parklands corner). A gated entrance from Parklands would help better secure the park after lock-up. It is recommended that any new gated entrances into the park have time-controlled locks.

Medium to longer term improvements at Redmond Park

Engaging a horticultural expert to appraise the present status of the park and advise on how we might proceed with redesigning it.

Pond - Take expert advice on redesigning the old pond area – look at retaining some of existing wet areas, developing a pond smaller than the original, re-opening the open canal or French drain for overflow from the pond.

Drainage - The park has very poor drainage with surplus water running down paths and accumulating in playground and other areas. This may de-stabilise the front wall and some of the big trees. It may also present an ice risk in cold weather. Look at old maps and see can we use the original drainage system to minimise surface water.

Playground - The idea solution would be a new playground. Probably not going to happen in the near future. In short term install a toddler’s swing (much requested by public). Constant pooling of water in the playground during bad weather requires that power washing is required here at least twice yearly. Ultimately, the playground should be replaced.

‘Teens’ Area - Install picnic tables x 2 adjacent to the toilet (ie away from the playground and visible from the road). Hopefully teenagers will adopt this area.

War Memorial - Consider installing an artist-designed war memorial in the park, possibly through a competition.

Land adjacent to park at Parkland corner - Call a public meeting to discuss the best use of this land.

Old Caretaker’s Hut (ruin) - We discussed possibilities for this space. For now the front and side walls to be taken down by a couple of feet so that the area can be used as a raised flowerbed.

Community Garden - not actually discussed but something we have added to our list.