Laverton families have been told they can return to Lohse Street Reserve after a $550,000 anti-crime facelift to improve the park.
Hobsons Bay council received a $250,000 grant from the Department of Justice as part of the state government’s community crime prevention program to redesign the reserve and make it inviting and safe for families. The council contributed more than $300,000.
The upgraded reserve has a picnic shelter, children’s garden, new lighting and pathways, drinking fountain and nearby toilet block. New landscaping opens the park up to the northern plaza of Laverton train station and the Woods Street arts space and shopping precinct.
Altona MP Jill Hennessy said the reserve had been plagued by vandalism, graffiti, assaults, drug use and alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour.
“Lohse Street Reserve is now an inviting and beautiful space for local families,” she said.
“These changes have turned Lohse Street into a place for the community to enjoy, rather than a place for crime.”
Mayor Colleen Gates said the funding had helped transform the reserve from an under-used patch of land in to a vibrant, safe and welcoming public space.
“The local community participated in a number of design workshops and public meetings that enabled council to gather feedback on the final design,” she said.
“From this feedback and the community’s ongoing contribution we learned that improved safety, accessibility and creating a sense of community ownership were key priorities for our local residents and traders.”
