Griffiths family honoured for Whistlestop Reserve upgrade

Published on 23 August 2024

Members of the Griffiths family have been honoured for their valuable contribution to the Whistlestop Reserve upgrade.

North-West Ward Cr Kris Bolam presented family members with a Certificate of Appreciation to acknowledge their support and generosity to Council for a new design for the Whistlestop Reserve.

Cr Bolam said: “This has included historic information and artwork developed into the design from the former Whistlestop Amusement Park.”

He noted the amusement park was owned and created by the late Jack Griffiths with son Trevor (dec) also working at the venue.

Joan Griffiths (Trevor’s wife and Whistlestop employee), along with Alison Hoelzer, Sarah Griffiths and Belinda Griffiths (Jack’s granddaughters), were presented with the Certificate at Council’s 12 August meeting.

The Whistlestop Amusement Park was located in Frankston in the early 1960s and operated for about 10 years. Jack Griffiths purchased 38ha of bush in Skye Rd in 1950 and in 1966 the amusement park opened for business.

It featured a train, go karts, merry go round, chairlift, picnic grounds and pedal boats on a large lake with an island.

Council’s upgrade of the reserve includes panels with artwork outlining the amusement park story along with a replica of the train and other art pieces.

Cr Bolam said: “The Griffiths family have been fantastic in providing historical information to Council so the designs could be developed and also donated a large hammer to be used on the art piece on the corner of Skye Road. The current upgrade design wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance and generosity of the family.”

Belinda Griffiths said she was delighted to receive the Award on behalf of the family, adding that Jack would have been “stoked” to see Whistlestop being honoured and recognised.

“We are thrilled to know Whistlestop Reserve will provide the opportunity for people to come together and be outside with family and friends,” she said.