Calembeen Park change facilities official open

Published on 24 March 2023

Cr Hood, Martha Haylett MP, Councillor Don Henderson and Bruce Lucas cutting a ribbon

Upgraded facilities at Calembeen Park in Creswick were officially opened today by the Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett MP.

The park upgrades included refurbishment of the public amenities (with three accessible unisex changerooms with toilet, shower and baby change facilities), an accessible footpath leading from the changerooms to the lake concourse, an accessible car parking space, drinking fountain, park furniture renewal and landscaping.

Calembeen Park's two beautiful waterways are home to birdlife and waterlily displays.  Chinese miners first mined at the site for shallow alluvial gold between the 1850s and 1860s and it became a Chinese settlement. The first recorded use for swimming was around 1910 and Calembeen Park's lakes are now popular for swimming, fishing, walking and cycling.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that the upgrade of these facilities was an important step in improving accessibility and connectivity at Calembeen Park.

“Calembeen Park is a much-loved community gathering spot and these upgraded facilities improve access for the community, but particularly those with a disability,” said Cr Hood.

The $425,350 project was funded in partnership by the Victorian Government and Hepburn Shire Council.