Master Plan to upgrade Overport Park at Frankston South
Published on 15 January 2021
The much loved Overport Park in Frankston South is set for an upgrade as part of a Master Plan currently under development.
South Ward Cr Liam Hughes said Overport Park is valued highly by the community for both its natural character and multiple recreational uses.
“Locals love the reserve and that’s why we’ve listened carefully to community feedback and incorporated it into the draft Master Plan. Our commitment to seeking input is highlighted by two rounds of extensive community consultation.
“We’re now exhibiting the draft Overport Park Master Plan including the opportunity for more input from locals,” Cr Hughes said.
Cr Hughes added: “The development of the Master Plan will reduce the potential of conflict between different park users and ensure the integrity of the public green space is maintained, therefore offering increased positive social and environmental contribution.
“The Master Plan includes a large number of recommendations covering elements such as dog use with provision for more bins, bench seats and drinking fountains with dog bubblers. As a designated ‘dog free roam’ park, there are no fenced dog areas proposed.
“We’ve listened to feedback on paths and following consultation, the pathway around oval two has been revised and gravel proposed for the majority of paths. Concrete paths are recommended for ‘high use’ zones to create path circuits that provide an even surface for equitable access.”
Cr Hughes said: “The draft Plan also caters for our keen cyclists with a recommendation for the detailed design for a bike park on the location of the existing informal track, as well as other facilities such as shelters, bins and drinking water.”
Frankston Environmental Friends Network Chair David Cross said his organisation had valued participating in the formulation of the Master Plan.
“The natural spaces and bushland at Overport Park are highly valued for relaxing, walking and reflection by many users and are critical to local wildlife and indigenous plant populations.
Frankston Dolphins Football Netball Club secretary Paul Wright said: “With our player numbers having increased by around 40 per cent in 2021 in line with the expansion of netball and women’s football, the Master Plan includes a new netball court which is vitally important to us as a growing club.”
Overport Park is about 19ha (46.95 acres) and is historically significant as the site of an award winning Guernsey Stud farm. The old homestead buildings have been demolished, but some of the landscape structure remains.
It is linked by the remnant bushland along Sweetwater Creek at its eastern boundary to the Frankston Conservation Reserve at Frankston Reservoir.
The main sporting and community facilities include two District level ovals (and supporting facilities) and redeveloped pavilion, including public toilets; four lane cricket practice nets; 14 tennis courts and pavilion; Peninsula Arts Society building; Peninsula Light Opera Society building; walking trails; informal open space; and car parking.
Locals can provide feedback and comments via email with the subject line ‘Overport Park Master Plan’ to leisureservices1@frankston.vic.gov.au or write to Leisure Services, Frankston City Council, PO Box 490, 30 Davey St, Frankston 3199.
Feedback closes Sunday 14 February. For more information and to read the draft Master Plan, visit https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Your_Council/Have_Your_Say/Overport_Park_Master_Plan
A final report is due to be brought back to the Council for adoption in March 2021.