From Gas Plant to People's Park - The Sir William Fry Reserve Southland Story

Parks are put up with the welfare of people in mind. They are great for relaxing and attaining better physical and mental health. However, very few people visit parks and bother to learn about its history. They would be happy to know that a person by the name of William Fry fought honorably to deliver a park that can be considered truly for the people.

Brief history

Highett Gasland was a large parcel of land owned by the Gas and Fuel corporation. There stood the plant in which the company produced gas mainly from coal. Gas production stopped when, in 1965, natural gas was discovered in the Bass Strait. There then was heavy discussion among the land owner, the Moorabbin council, and the state government about the land acquisition.

During this time, the land would become known as Gasland Reserve. The parties had arguments regarding the cost of the land and also the final design of the future park reserve. Years would pass before an agreement to convert the land into a people's park was reached.

In 1985, Gasland Reserve was renamed Sir William Fry Reserve after the Australian politician of the same name. Sir William Gordon Fry was instrumental in the talks to transform this land into a park for the people, and so it aptly bore his name.

Tips when visiting

The Sir William Fry Reserve is located along Napean Highway and is easily accessible by car. It has plenty of parking spaces, so you do not have to worry about where to leave your vehicle. The reserve is also accessible by public transportation with a bus stop. The park is open 24 hours a day for both day people and night owls to enjoy.

Several park benches are scattered all over the reserve, which can be used for rest and picnics. There are areas where you can cook barbecue as well. Drinking water is available via drinking fountains by the playgrounds, which is perfect for when active kids get thirsty from their play. This place is perfect for families to spend quality time together.

Adults and kids can bring their bicycles and go for rides. There is a skate park for those who wish to watch, learn, or enjoy skateboarding or roller skating. In playgrounds, toddlers can stretch their little muscles and play on the swings and slides.

The reserve has plenty of trees that provide shade on sunny days. There are wide grassy landscapes with areas covered with various types of vegetation. People who enjoy long walks will like walking trails. There are two bodies of water in the reserve - a pond and a lake- where you may chance upon ducks swimming and other birds hanging around.

You do not have to worry about nature calling since toilets are open to the public. The park is dog friendly so that pet owners can bring and unleash their dogs in the designated off-leash area.

Events that happen there

A market is set up at the Sir William Fry Reserve three times a year. The months of August, October, and December are when the Sir William Fry Craft and Food market is held. Here you can shop for health and beauty products, hand-made crafts, home decor, and, of course, great food!

It is worth noting that every first Saturday of the month, except in January, the reserve is host to the Kingston farmers' market. First started in 2004, here you can purchase the freshest fruits, vegetables, and other farm-origin products.

Future Development

An underground train station is to be built directly at Sir William Fry Reserve, making it even more accessible to the public. The reserve will be connected to Southland Shopping Centre and other retail and hospitality establishments thanks to the Suburban Rail Loop development.

Cheltenham Park Reserve and Playground

Located 4 minutes away by car from Sir William Fry Reserve is another great park called the Cheltenham Park Reserve and Playground. It is a park that offers similar amenities as Sir William Fry Reserve, such as an off-leash area for dogs, and is accessible to the public via train, bus, or private transport.

Eye Concepts, Southland

Popped a contact lens while jogging? Left your glasses on the park bench during your visit to Sir William Fry Reserve? Don't worry. Eye Concepts, Southland is only 3 minutes away by car. They have an extensive inventory of contact lenses and glasses and offer eye care and testing services.

Conclusion

Sir William Fry Reserve is what every park should be. It has a great layout, and every improvement done to it clearly has the public welfare in mind. It is easily accessible via car or public transportation. The reserve lives up to its purpose of being a people's park and will continue to do so for years to come.

If you are alone, going on a date, or want to bring the family to a place that is free to have fun, a visit to Sir William Fry Reserve will surely be worth it.

How to reach Sir William Fry Reserve

One of the first things that patients from Eye Concepts, Southland, would do after their appointment is to visit the Sir William Fry Reserve, which is just located at Nepean Hwy, Highett VIC 3190, Australia.

To get there by car, just drive via Nepean Hwy, then take Nepean Hwy. Service Rd.; then Sir William Fry Reserve will be on your left side. Getting there by car would only take 2 mins and 5 mins by walking.