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The Victorian Government has transformed 29 former industrial lots and small streets into much needed recreational parks in the heart of Melbourne’s suburbs as part of the $315 million Suburban Parks Program.

Pocket parks play a crucial role in addressing the challenge of some areas having limited open space, offering residents greater opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature.

The Bedford Street Pocket Park in North Melbourne was the final park completed late December in collaboration with the City of Melbourne. The project replaced old paved areas with a new green space featuring lawns, garden beds, tree plantings, picnic areas, barbeque, table tennis table and play equipment.

Pocket Parks in Frankston, Dandenong and Moorabbin added more greenery to their areas, while communities in Melbourne’s north such as Preston, Montomorency, and Brunswick are benefiting from the new spaces that have been designed to combat Melbourne’s increasingly hot summers.

The pocket parks were delivered in partnership with local councils, who received up to $1.3 million to support their development.

Over 100 new and upgraded open spaces, including pocket parks, park upgrades, trails and dog parks have been delivered through the Suburban Parks Program – with more on the way via a further $20.8 million investment to deliver even more Betters Parks and Playgrounds and New and Upgraded Dog Parks.

Once complete, the Suburban Parks Program will create up to 6,500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails, bike trails, pocket parks, and dog parks – the equivalent of more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens.

For more information about the pocket parks

Image. Otter and Smith Street pocket park, Collingwood. Credit: Image supplied by TJ Garvie for Yarra City Council

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