Overport Park is highly valued by the community for its natural character and number of recreational uses. The Overport Park Master Plan directs improvements to the reserve’s recreational functionality for all park users, while protecting and enhancing the character of the park and the integrity of the public greenspace.
The Master Plan was formally adopted by Council on 29 March 2021 following three rounds of community consultation.
Reconstruction of Oval 1
Oval 1 is to be reconstructed commencing in August 2023. The works will include: earthworks, fencing, sporting infrastructure, subsurface drainage, irrigation system and turfing. Construction will have minor pedestrian disruption with works anticipated to be completed in April 2024.
Drainage Improvement & New Footpaths
Drainage improvement works, including the new footpath connection between the sporting pavilion, the second oval and the cricket nets is now completed.
New Bike Track
A formal bike track has been built to cater for a range of riders. This has provided a dedicated space for bike activities within the reserve, improving safety for both riders and other park users. The new bike track is situated at the same location as the existing informal track. Construction was completed in December 2023.
- Two District level ovals (and supporting facilities) and redeveloped pavilion, including public toilets.
- Four lane cricket practice nets.
- Fourteen tennis courts and pavilion.
- District level playground.
- Peninsula Arts Society / Frankston Theatre Group building.
- Peninsula Light Operatic Society Building.
- Walking trails.
- Informal open space.
- Car parking.
Drainage improvement works, including the new footpath connection between the sporting pavilion, the second oval, the cricket nets and the Peninsula Arts Society building are now complete. These pathing upgrades support equitable access for all park users and have assisted with drainage improvements and pathway connections to and from the sporting pavilion.
In line with the Master Plan, the informal bike jump site has been upgraded into a bike park. The Trail Collective were engaged by Council to listen and consult with bike users and to design the new bike track. During the initial round of consultation, a large number of children and young people indicated that this was their favourite area in the park and many of them enjoyed the sense of freedom that it provides.
There are three levels to enable riders of all abilities to enjoy the track:
- Beginner pump track (green line) – completed July 2023
- Beginner jump section (green line) – completed December 2023
- Intermediate jump section (orange line) – completed December 2023
- Advanced jump section (black line) – completed December 2023
Other community facilities planned within this location include shelters, picnic setting, litter bins and drinking water.
Construction began in February 2023, with stage one (beginner’s pump track) completed in July and the remaining jump sections were recently completed in December 2023.
A formal bike track has been built to cater for a range of riders. This has provided a dedicated space for bike activities within the reserve, improving safety for both riders and other park users. The new bike track is situated at the same location as the existing informal track.
Project Update (December 2023)
The wait is over! The new Overport Bike Park is now open for riders of all ages and experience levels.
In July 2023 we opened the first part of the track – an asphalt beginner’s jump section and pump track suitable for bikes, skateboards, skates, and scooters.
And now just in time for the summer holidays, the final part of the park is open – intermediate and advanced jump sections designed for adventurous BMX and mountain bike riders.
The $651,000 project is fully funded by Council and was one of the recommendations in the Overport Park Master Plan, which was adopted by Council in 2021.
Sweetwater Creek Pedestrian Connection
The existing pedestrian path leading to the bridge crossing over Sweetwater Creek is currently very steep and slippery when wet.
Council will undertake a detailed design to provide safe pedestrian access along Sweetwater Creek. The alignment of the path and the possibility of installing steps for safe access will be explored.
This work is scheduled for 2023/24 (pending Annual Council Budget approval).
Additional Pathing and Network Connect Upgrade
Plans are underway to upgrade existing paths with granitic gravel to provide an even surface, create walking or running loops and provide equitable access for all park users.
The pathway network will be formed:
- Alongside the western edge of the tennis courts, making use of the court lighting to provide a lit path and connected around the area of open space back to the car park
- Around oval 2, connecting to the existing path at the northern end
- Around the ‘Top Paddock’
- Around the lower informal open space area
This work is scheduled for 2023/24 (pending Annual Council Budget approval).
Park Furniture
To complement the pathways, bench seats will provide resting areas for less able bodied members of our community. There will also be bench seats in the informal open spaces to allow for people to gather and sit together.
Other additions include:
- Drinking fountains, with dog bubblers at various points throughout the park.
- Litter bins in areas where people are likely to congregate, such as the sporting precinct, the informal open space areas and the upgraded former homestead site.
- Gathering spaces with shelter and picnic settings in the top paddock, and the proposed bike park, as well as the former homestead site where a barbecue is also proposed.
We will ensure all furniture is DDA compliant, for example barbecues can be accessed by those in a wheelchair, picnic settings that allow wheelchairs and bench seats with back and arm rests.
This work is scheduled for 2023/24 (pending Annual Council Budget approval).
If you have any questions or want to learn more about this project, please contact Council by: