Grand plans to expand Warrnambool’s Community Garden to include an amphitheatre, labyrinth, ponds and walking tracks have been unveiled.
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Work has already begun on stage one of a major upgrade to the site with the construction of a bridge and frog pond which will provide easier access to the gardens for all abilities.
A $20,000 infrastructure grant from the city council has helped fund the works which may also include building a pathway into the old council quarry as part of a plan to turn it into an amphitheatre.
Gardens convener Julie Eagles said plans had been drawn up for the rehabilitation works which include smoothing out the quarry floor to make it more accessible and allow for seating.
“We have cleared it. It was just weed infested to the top,” Ms Eagles said.
“It was also used as a tip at one point.”
Because there was water going into the quarry, Wannon Water commissioned and funded a geophysical survey of the site to ensure there were no caverns on the site.
“It’s safe, so we’re now able to go the next step,” Ms Eagles said.
She said the plan was to use the site for markets or performances “weddings, parties anything” as a way of fund-raising for the gardens.
Full costing on the entire master plan haven’t yet been done, but the staged project is expected to take up to 10 years to complete.
It will include creating a series of ponds using storm water run-off from the Wannon Water site next door.
“We’re working with Wannon Water to design a stormwater demonstration site,” Ms Eagles said.
She said eventually people would be able to walk through the ponds, and a forest of trees that they were gradually planting, to a meditative labyrinth.
A walking track through the entire site will also connect to the Miura Friendship Gardens next door.
There were also plans to upgrade the kitchen at the community garden to cater for more cooking master classes.
“Last year we did a Sri Lankan masterclass, and we’ve got another one coming up,” Ms Eagles said.
“There’s really a lot of interest in cooking demonstrations,” Ms Eagles said.
The gardens will hold an open day on March 18 with a bush food theme.