The City of Maroondah holds regular Picnic in the Parks to provide an opportunity for the community to meet their Ward Councillors and to rediscover the many parks within the municipality.

Today’s Picnic in the Park was held at BJ Hubbard Reserve for residents of the Mullum Ward and it was great to see the many community members attend.  BJ Hubbard is part of Maroondah’s remnant bush reserves and has a range of unique flora and fauna.  In addition, there are a a number of community groups based at the Scout Hall at BJ Hubbard, including the Scouts and the Maroondah Toy Library.

The Picnic in the Park at BJ Hubbard had a strong community and environmental focus, with regular environmental presentations and a range of activities for children, as well as information stalls from Council, the Scouts and the Maroondah Toy Library.

Picnics in the Park provide an informal occasion to meet many members of the community and I had a wonderful afternoon meeting residents from the nearby streets in Ringwood North, as well as several from other parts of Maroondah. In addition, there many young families with children enjoying activities such as the jumping castle and the games that were available.

Many residents spoke about the Council’s plans for the redevelopment of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre and it was pleasing to receive many positive comments about Maroondah’s vision for Ringwood and the need for a new standard of community facilities within the municipality.  Council has begun discussions with the user groups within Ringwood Aquatic to plan arrangements during the demolition and construction of the old centre.

BJ Hubbard Reserve is a truly unique bush reserve and it was encouraging to see the strong interest in its environmental significance.  Council holds regular Picnics in the Parks and a further one is planned for the Mullum Ward later this year.