Former mayor John Hastie walks his dog at Wilson Botanic Park regularly but says the local asset needs more attention as it reaches its 20th anniversary. 84536 Picture: MEAGAN ROGERS
By Lilly O’Gorman
TWO decades after it was officially opened, Wilson Botanic Park has been forgotten, former mayor and councillor for the City of Casey (formerly City of Berwick) John Hastie said.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary on Thursday 26 July, Mr Hastie says it is clear that the council has forgotten about Wilson Botanic Park.
City of Casey Council did not provide a response to the Gazette in time for publication.
“I think it is about time the council woke up and recognised the potential of this park and invested in it. It is a great but forgotten asset,” Mr Hastie said.
The site, located at Princes Highway, Berwick, was a quarry until the late 1970s.
In 1992, Governor-General Bill Hayden officially opened Wilson Botanic Park, in memory of early pioneers.
Today it is the setting of local events including an outdoor cinema, music performances in the amphitheatre and weddings.
However, Mr Hastie said it had received relatively little funding since it opened and could do with major upgrades including access for all abilities.
“There isn’t even a coffee shop,” Mr Hastie said.
“I think a fountain should be installed as well as filtration to enhance the lakes and the walkway should be paved.
“There are no wheelchair facilities, it’s even difficult for a motorised wheelchair to get around.”
Friends of Wilson Botanic Park is the non-profit volunteer organisation which promotes and maintains the park.
President Terry Dance said the park master plan was currently being redesigned.
“Certainly we would like to see the master plan approved and financed as soon as possible,” he said.
“Until we get that there is nothing really constructive we can do.
“There are some 240 members of whom 60 are active and work very hard in the park and make a very great contribution, putting in thousands of hours every year.”
“We have to accept the park is one of 38 recreational areas in the City of Casey (vying for funding).
Mr Hastie said the dedicated volunteers should be recognised for their hard work.
“But it should be recognised that 20 years ago they were 20 years younger and cannot keep up their work indefinitely.”
Mr Hastie said Butchart Gardens in Canada were similarly constructed from a disused quarry.
But he says that’s where the similarity ends.
“Today the Butchard Gardens are known as an iconic garden. When I compare it with Wilson Botanic Park, I cannot help but notice a vast difference between the two facilities.”
