Goya Dmytryshchak
There’s a new place to play in West Footscray with works recently completed on a trial pop-up park in Clarke Street in Barkly Village.
The park was developed after a community call for increased green space in the area, and will be in place for at least 18 months.
After this, Maribyrnong council will review whether the park will stay.
The park was first proposed by the community as part of the West Footscray Neighbourhood Plan in 2018.
Feedback at that time also called for improved connections to Cross Street, improved bicycle connections to Carmichael Street and Cross Street, and more trees.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the council canvassed the broader community’s views and more than 91 per cent of respondents supported the park.
It features artificial grass and colourful blocks for seating and climbing.
Mayor Michael Clarke said that with strong community support for safer and improved connections to Barkly Street, the council was exploring further improvements.
“There’s a lot to love in West Footscray, especially Barkly Street with it’s great cafes and restaurants and now we’ve added an extra element of fun at the request of our residents,” he said. “Come and have a play.”
The northern end of Clarke Street has been closed during the trial.
