A Median Strip for The Future
Published on 07 October 2022
The High Street median strip has been re-invigorated with multiple upgrades to seating, artworks, community spaces and infrastructure to benefit the Mansfield Shire community, businesses and visitors for years to come.
Mayor Cr James Tehan said the works strategically enhanced the strip so that it was a cohesive space which looked inviting and could be enjoyed by the community throughout the year.
“It’s great to see how our community and visitors are interacting with the upgraded space,” said Cr Tehan.
“The funds we received were intended to enhance outdoor activity to benefit the many businesses in the area and we are pleased at the positive response to the upgrades.”
Mansfield Shire Council received $300,000 from the COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation fund and consulted the community to determine a set of priorities for using those funds.
“It was clear from business and community feedback that the eastern and western ends of the median strip were a priority for improvement,” said Cr Tehan.
“We’re pleased with the enthusiasm the community has shown for this project and would like to thank everyone who contributed their feedback to influence what was delivered by these projects.”
The improvements on and around the median strip include:
- Connection to sound, power and water to support community events.
- The new stone amphitheatre which provides a focal point, additional seating and a space for community events.
- A mural has been painted at the east end Mall.
- The Torso sculpture has been purchased as a long-term art installation.
- Additional permanent bench seating and movable picnic tables.
- Lawn aeration, seeding and irrigation works.
- Soil stabilisation with a recycled plastic grid to improve high traffic pedestrian areas along the median strip.
Lauren McGinty, Parks and Gardens Supervisor, said she was grateful to the Mansfield Golf Club for their partnership in enhancing the lawn on the median strip.
“We’ve been able to partner with the Mansfield Golf Club and are grateful to Superintendent Tony Cooksey for working with us and for the generous loan of their aeration machine,” she said.
“This, plus the irrigation works, will help the Parks and Gardens team maintain the vigour and health of the lawn throughout the hotter, dryer periods. We know it’s important to our community that the lawns are green and inviting. They provide a welcome entry to town and a space for the community to enjoy.”
A full list of the projects and the community feedback that helped Council prioritise them is available at Engage Mansfield.
