A new pathway has been constructed in Mathison Park Churchill.

The pathway joins the existing pathway that runs up the hill from Hares House to the existing concrete pathway that runs along Northways Road. We have named this the Forest Path as it winds its way through the Native Plantation on the southern end of the Park. The new path is gravel lined at each end leading up to the edge of the forest and then changes to a grassed path through the plantation. This allows for native grasses to have the least possible disturbance from being covered by gravel or having any detrimental effects of construction equipment in the area. We have had an arborist do an assessment of the trees to ensure that there is no danger from falling trees or limbs.

The committee would like to acknowledge Latrobe City Council for their grant to construct the Pathway. Each year the committee applies for grants from various Government Bodies and Businesses. Latrobe City has always supported the committee by supplying grants for worthwhile projects that we raise and apply for. Without these grants the funding we receive would only cover maintenance on existing infrastructure and general upkeep of the Park.

Its interesting to note that the Native Plantation was planted with trees that were provided by Loy Yang power back in the early 2000’s. The committee at the time provided the manpower through several planting days. And now some 20 years later we see an established native forest that we can enjoy and walk through.

As you can see the importance of receiving these grants can be evidenced over a long period of time and we thank Latrobe City for always supporting our grant applications.

However, grants can only provide us with money to complete some of these projects, what also contributes to the successful maintenance and improvements to the park are the volunteers. This is a small group of dedicated people that work hard to provide an enjoyable space for everyone to use. Working Bees are held on the second Saturday of each month. If you use the park and feel you would like to help, we would love to have you come along. You don’t have to commit to coming every month, any time you could make it would be greatly appreciated and you get a good feeling that you have a hands on impact on the upkeep of the park. Visit Mathison Park Churchill website in the Get Involved section for details of how you can help and “get involved”.

NEW PATHWAY IN MATHISON PARK

A new pathway has been constructed in Mathison Park Churchill, to provide all weather access to additional areas that were previously difficult to navigate. The new path is approximately 500m long and winds its way up the hill, from Hare House and amongst the Conifer Plantation. It then passes through a grove of beautiful deciduous trees and joins the concrete path near the roundabout on the intersection of Monash Way and Northways Rd. Features along the path as you pass through the conifer plantation, are the breathtaking views of Lake Hyland and the beautiful display of Autumn colors as you stroll beneath the canopy of a grove of deciduous trees at the top of the hill. Funding for the Path was provided from the committee’s yearly budget and supplemented by a Community Grant from Latrobe City Council. Mathison Park is maintained by volunteers on limited funding and the support from Latrobe City and other Government Grants is vital for the continued upkeep and improvement. The committee thanks the Council for its continued support and funding. For those interested in the Park and wanting to get involved, we are always looking for more volunteers. We have a Working Bee once a month on a Saturday for 3 hours. Even turning up once a year to assist can make a difference and keep the Park clean, tidy and safe for all to enjoy. If you are interested in helping out in any way, go to the “Get Involved” section of the website.