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On a beautiful Sunday morning, August 18th, Manningham Council celebrated the opening of the newly-built Hepburn Reserve in Doncaster with an engaging and well-attended ceremony. The event drew a large crowd of residents eager to experience the new urban park.
Before the official proceedings began, attendees enjoyed complimentary coffee, fruit, and donuts — a delightful touch inspired by a local primary school student, Teddy. Teddy had attended the October 2023 council meeting, where, during Public Question Time, he proposed the idea of a Donut Day where the purpose is “to get to know people in the community and for everyone to have fun.” His suggestion was warmly welcomed at the time (see our council report in Issue 15 Mar/April 2024), and it was heartwarming to see it brought to life at the park's opening. Teddy and his parents were present at the event, and he was even invited to assist Mayor Carli Lange in unveiling the park's plaque. Congratulations, Teddy!
Hepburn Reserve is the realisation of a community initiative, first envisioned over twenty years ago in the Doncaster Hill Strategy 2002 (revised in 2004). The park was made possible through the acquisition of several properties by the Council, providing a much-needed open space for residents, workers, and visitors in the Doncaster Hill area.
The new reserve boasts a range of amenities, including a playspace and nature play area, a plaza, outdoor seating and BBQ facilities, expansive lawn areas, and public art installations. A mother with young children commented that having a toilet available would have been good.
By late morning, Jill at the donut stand mentioned that all 400 donuts had been given away - how terrific!
