A new park for Docklands

A new park in Docklands has officially opened to the public, named after Melbourne Football Club legend Rob Barassi Senior.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne opened Ron Barassi Snr Park on Saturday, joined by Ron Barassi Junior and  Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle.

The $15 million first stage of the park includes a sports field, pavilion, playground, barbeques and a walking circuit.

The park offers more open space for Docklands residents, workers and visitors to play sport, have a barbeque, take the children to play or walk the dog.

The park’s name was chosen after a public vote in September 2014 and recognises Ronald James Barassi Senior, who played as a rover for the Melbourne Football Club between 1936 and 1940.

Within weeks of being a member of the 1940 premiership team, Ron Barassi Senior was posted overseas, as a volunteer, to serve in the Australian Army’s Second World War campaign in North Africa. He was killed in action at Tobruk in 1941.

Ron Barassi Snr Park is the latest community facility to be constructed in Docklands. The park was identified as a community priority during consultation as part of the Docklands Community and Place Plan in July 2012.

Ron Barassi Snr Park has been delivered by Places Victoria and will be owned, operated and maintained by the City of Melbourne.

Docklands-based sports clubs are encouraged to express their interest in calling the park home. Any interested new or existing sports clubs should contact the City of Melbourne at recreation@melbourne.vic.gov.au.