A Master Plan was adopted earlier this year and will help prioritise and guide the ongoing development and management of the Eaglehawk Open Space Precinct for the benefit of existing and future users, residents, visitors and the broader community of Eaglehawk and Greater Bendigo. Core objectives of the Master Plan include:
The City of Greater Bendigo is now commencing detailed design of the central activity area. This area includes the development of 2 netball courts and an associated multifunction change facility building, 5 cricket nets and an events/transition oval capable of catering for large and small scale events. For any enquiries regarding this document, please contact the Landscape & Open Space Planning Unit on 5434 6370.
Canterbury Park was first proposed in 1870 when five acres of land adjacent to the Eaglehawk Creek were set aside as a reserve. This area was later increased to thirty-five acres and a tender was let out for formation of the gardens in 1873.
It originally contained a fernery (1882), a rotunda (1890) and a conservatory (1890). An aviary was also sited in the gardens and council records show that during 1891 & 1892 eagles, kingfishers, parakeets, ibis and hawks were donated for display. A copy of the original rotunda has been constructed in the Dr Catford Memorial Park in High street Eaglehawk and the fountain (a gift from Mayor Kirikwood in 1882) which was originally in the fernery is now a central feature in the circular garden beds facing the main entrance.
Map directions
Some original plantings have survived and are still evident in the gardens however the losses have been significant. Trees remaining in the gardens from this time are Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii), Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii), Norfolk Island Hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia), Palm species (Phoenix spp.), Pine species (Pinus spp.), Dutch Elm (Ulmus X hollandica), Petticoat or Desert Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) and Himalayan Cedar or Deodar (Cedrus deodara).
The ornamental iron fence and gates in Sailors Gully Rd were a gift from the family of Cr Brown who died before reaching his term of office as mayor. They date from 1912 and manufactured at Agnews Austral Foundry Eaglehawk.
Canterbury Park is also noted for its displays of dahlias in conjunction with the Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival. Every year the garden beds surrounding the fountain are planted out with numerous dahlias supporting Eaglehawk's iconic event which is held on the third Saturday in March.
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