A CREATIVE use of crime prevention funding has seen an often-forgot Kerang park spring to life.
The unique ReSpark the Park event was held at McCann Crescent Park on Saturday, with dozens of adults and even more youngsters heading along to enjoy an afternoon of free entertainment.
Activities included art workshops, face painting, a pop-up playground, story time and book giveaways.
Honest Ken provided musical entertainment, while Murray Mallee Wood Fired Pizza kept the crowd fed.
The event was a partnership between Regional Arts Victoria, Gannawarra Shire Council and Northern District Community Health Service.
Funding of $9000 was received from the State Government’s Community Crime Prevention grants program.
Community Crime Prevention grants are typically used on physical security measures and community awareness programs, but Regional Arts Victoria’s Kim Bennett said ReSpark the Park was about a different approach.
“This is an unusual grant for them; it’s about an art intervention via reading, drawing and constructive play,” she said.
Ms Bennett said the event also served as a “soft consultation” about how the park could be upgraded.
“The Big Draw activity run by local artist Karen Finch asks kids to draw what they would like to see here at the park,” she said.
“This park is very important to this community.”
The playground at the park looked resplendent for the occasion – spectacularly decorated with tissue paper flowers made by local primary school students and Northaven residents.
