Sunshine West park win

Natalie Suleyman with Katie Hall and baby Ned Hall and Michael Smith with sons Dylan and Michael Smith at the park.

By Tate Papworth

Dalton Street Reserve in Sunshine West is to be revamped.

The park will receive a full circuit path for walking and jogging, with exercise equipment along the way, as part of the government’s Community Support Fund.

The upgrade had earlier this year been submitted as part of the state’s Pick My Project initiative but was unsuccessful.

The $200,000 project was recently approved after lobbying by Katie Hall, who was elected Footscray MP at the weekend.

Ms Hall said it was a win for the community.

“I’m passionate about the provision of high-quality, public open spaces,” she said.

“I loved this project idea and when it wasn’t successful in the Pick My Project grant round, I lobbied for funding.

“This will keep Sunshine West kids active and outdoors.”

The upgrade will include a children’s play space, signage to educate visitors about the

park environment and art installations.

St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman said it was time for the well-used park to get an upgrade.

“This funding will make the much-loved Dalton Street Reserve an even better place to get active,” she said.

The Pick My Project bid was submitted by local resident Michael Smith.

“I … come here quite a bit with the kids. I thought the place could do with some natural kids play themes like rocks and logs,” Mr Smith said last week.

“There’s lots of elderly residents too, so to provide them with path to walk the park makes it multi-generational.

“I’d given up when it wasn’t selected in Pick My Project, so I was ecstatic when Katie got in touch.”