After a patient wait, the Northern Grampians Shire Council has officially opened their pop-up park at Halls Gap, just in time for the retrun of summer tourists.
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The Victorian Government provided $250,000 funding to Council through the Local Councils Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package in 2020, with Council using the funding to create pop-up parks in Stawell and Halls Gap.
Cr Murray Emerson, Cr Lauren Dempsey and Cr Rob Haswell were all in attendance for the opening, with Cr Emerson declaring the site and "absolute gem".
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"Before this park was built, the site was often referred to as 'the missing tooth in Halls Gap's smile' because it was an empty block in a very lively strip of shops," Cr Emerson said.
"I stand here today and look in awe at an absolute gem that completes the smile.
"This beautiful public space would not have been possible without the generosity of the anonymous landowner, two neighbouring shop owners and significant investment by the Victorian Government's Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package.
"Both Felicity Brown and Kyle Torney have excelled in their fields to produce an inviting and eco-sensitive gathering point that acknowledges our First Peoples' connection to the land and provides a beautiful and functional community space for the bustling tourist village of Halls Gap at the foot of the Grampians Gariwerd Ranges."
The pop up park, was designed by Wimmera landscaper Felicity Brown and was intended to be a flexible public space where residents and visitors can relax, connect and enjoy community events.
A permanent attraction in the park is a mural created by renowned local artist Kyle Torney.
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