Pioneers Park, Cafe and Playground

Pioneers Park, Cafe and Playground

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Posted 2016-10-10 by Gayle Beveridge-Marienfollow
Tucked on the fringes of the bustling Berwick Village shopping area is Pioneers Park. Expansive lawns, native plantings, tree lined paths and beautiful rose gardens are just the start in this family friendly venue. A children's playground, a quality café, a heritage gift shop, concert performances and community events complete the package.


Landscaped gardens are a feature of the site. Rose gardens with blooms in various shades of red, pink and white run alongside the buildings and around the centre of the park. Cottage plants and shrubs complement the rose plantings. Massed plantings of native shrubbery offer greenery year round and beautiful blooms in season. Mature shade and ornamental trees line the paths and are scattered through the open lawn areas.


In the corner of Pioneers Park which was opened in 2005, stands the building that was a school for more than 130 years. The school operated here from 1869 to 2003 but the existing building dates back to 1876. It is now in part the home of the Casey-Cardinia Branch of the National Trust which houses the Berwick Heritage Centre and gift shop.


Also in the old school building is the popular café, Primary at Pioneers Park . Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea are served at the café which overlooks the park and a children's playground. From inside, a wall of French doors accord views across the playground and out to the park. There is plenty of outdoor seating and this is a popular spot on a fine day. The menu is seasonal and specials are regularly changed. Primary at Pioneers Park is a local favourite particularly on weekends so you might like to book in advance.

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The unusual multi-function playground structure of shiny metal and bright blue is supported by round poles joint with black balls. Climbing nets access the first of the higher platforms ,which is joined by a suspended bridge to a second. The higher platform sits on a rubberised mound from which children can descend on a curved metal slide. Window and door shaped cut-outs in the blue sidings add to the interest. At ground level, a see-saw forms part of the structure. A swing set has both a stand,ard and a toddler swing. There is also a toddlers rocker in the shape of a mining cart and a balance pole. A couple of bench seats overlooking the playground allow parents can to keep a comfortable vigil.


Paths ring the park and converge on the centre gardens like the spokes of a wheel. Families picnic on the lawns in the shade of trees and the delighted squeals of children can be heard from as you near the playground.

Native plantings of mature eucalypts and shrubs along Brisbane Street are home to noisy miners, cockatoos and other birds. A bench seat and water fountain provide a pleasant place to rest in the shade and watch.


From here mop top trees and manicured gardens line a pair of paths that curve toward Lyall Street and lead to the children's playground and the Primary At Pioneers Park café. Period style lanterns light the path by night.

In the centre of the park a circular paved area is planted with trees and surrounded by rose gardens. A rotunda takes pride of place here. With picturesque views to the central tree plantings, this is a great spot for wedding photos and since Primary at Pioneers Park can be booked for weddings, it is not uncommon to spot a bride and groom on their happy day.

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The Casey Concert Band holds performances in the rotunda throughout the year. The audience relaxes on picnic rugs and portable chairs as they enjoy the music.

The Park is often for used for community events. It has played host to Australia Day celebrations , Summer Carnivals, and Twilight Cinema screenings.


Despite its long history as a school property, the name Pioneers Park does not refer to those who came in the mid-1800's but to those who in 2003 raised money towards the purchase of this historic site and convinced council to acquire the land and building and to develop the park. A plaque at the site bears the inscription:

The choice of the word Pioneers is to recognise those generous citizens who supported the acquisition of this land – they are the pioneers of this era who should be recognised by the generations who follow.


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A large rectangular cairn in the park features photos of the old school and of old Berwick, a theme that is continued on information cubes throughout Berwick Village. The history of the area is further recognised with the dedication of one of the park benches to A. E. Loveridge in acknowledgement of a lifetime of community service. The Coronation Tree planted to commemorate the coronation of King George V in 1911 is identified by a plaque at its base.


Pioneers Park is at 1-11 Peel Street, Berwick, VIC. 3806. It is wedged between Peel Street, Lyall Road and Brisbane Street. There is free angle parking on both Peel Street and Brisbane Street. This is a public park with free entry. Enquiries can be directed to the City of Casey on (03) 9705 5200. There are public toilets at the park. Primary At Pioneers is on the corner of Peel Street and Lyall Road and can be contacted on (03) 9768 9681. The Casey-Cardinia National Trust Heritage Centre and gift shop is also on the corner of Peel Street and Lyall Road and can be contacted on (03) 9769 5653.

#berwick
#cafes
#child_friendly
#family
#family -attractions
#free
#outdoor
#picnic_spots
#south_east
%wnmelbourne
176320 - 2023-06-15 16:53:17

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