Published on Friday, 28 October 2022 at 8:46:02 PM
28 October 2022 - Pioneer Park Opening
Merredin’s Pioneer Park was officially re-opened today, following a staged $1.8 million redevelopment which has been taking place since May 2022.
The opening was marked with an on-site ceremony held by the Shire of Merredin, with Shire President Mark McKenzie cutting the ribbon and welcoming community members back to the park which will act as the new gateway to Merredin’s CBD.
Shire President Mark McKenzie said he was thrilled to re-open the park, knowing what it means for the Merredin community.
“Pioneer Park is such an iconic part of Merredin, and I am pleased to be able to welcome the community back to the space, so they can see what we have delivered as the first part of our CBD Redevelopment,” he said.
“We are looking forward to the improved park providing a vital boost for tourism to the area and in turn stimulating the local economy.”
The redevelopment works at Pioneer Park were designed to highlight views of Merredin’s pioneer history, including the heritage listed Merredin Water Tank and Merredin Railway and Military Museums, and draw tourists from Great Eastern Highway with new car parking, recreational spaces, and improved landscaping and drainage.
Read the Media Release
10 October 2022 - Pioneer Park Construction Update
The last month has seen a number of major milestones being completed at Pioneer Park, which has included the laying of turf, installation of all plantings and mulch as well as the completion of all compacted gravel surfaces, concrete, asphalt and kerbing. The new lighting has now been tested and commissioned, with light poles being positioned throughout the park, ensuring safety and security at night, and allowing for feature lighting to highlight the water tower and bronze statues.
One of the local touches to be included in the park is the pathways that feature leaf imprints from local Salmon Gum and Coolibah trees. This element was completed with the assistance of the local Wild Flower Society who both selected the appropriate prints and a their collection. Local Wildflower Society member Roy Butler said the innovative feature was a team effort, “The Society enlisted the help of the local Men’s Shed who came to the rescue with a large salmon gum, located beside the sed, which had enough leaves for the project sprouting from a low hanging limb.”
1 July 2022 - Pioneer Park Construction Update
Construction of Stage 1 of the CBD Project Pioneer Park kicked off in May 2022, with the creation of a new carpark. With the kerbing already in place, asphalting this month will see completion of the car park swinging off Great Eastern Highway between the Military and Railway museums.
This aspect of the project is expected to be a great opportunity to show off our outstanding local Railway and Military museums with better and safer access. Rob Endersbee, the enthusiastic owner and curator of the Military Museum, says he is pleased to see the progress on the carpark and upgrade of Pioneer Park. With over 200 visitors a month, the new carpark will make it much safer for visitors to visit the museum and not have to reverse out on to a busy highway.
The Railway Museum also tells an important story of local history and buildings. Its Chairperson Jane Patroni says it’s exciting to see the development moving ahead and that they are awaiting the completion of Pioneer park with interest. Other aspects of Pioneer Park that will be upgraded include new lighting, recreation spaces and landscaping. The current drainage will also be upgraded to a ‘living stream’ allowing gravel and mulch to be installed over the top.
The bronze ‘Horse at Work’ sculpture will also be returned to the park in a new position once construction is completed, which is projected to be October 2022.
The detailed designs for both the Town Square and Apex Park are now in progress after a Tender was awarded in April. These designs will incorporate feedback from the community, and will also include a number of exciting upgrades!
The construction tenders are expected to be advertised in November 2022 and awarded in January 2023. This will allow for construction of both Apex Park and Town Square to commence in February 2023.
Shire of Merredin Media contact:
Rose Crane
Media and Communications Officer
media@merredin.wa.gov.au
(08) 9041 1611
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