Name chosen for new park

Docklands’ newest park has been named after football great and war hero Ron Barrassi Snr.

Construction of the future park and sports field at the western end of NewQuay started last month, with the first stage of the $18 million development to be delivered by mid-next year.

Last month the State Government sought input on the name of the park, providing three options for the community to vote from.

Ron Barrassi Senior Park won out over Dudley Flats Park, named for a shanty settlement that existed near Docklands in the early to mid 1900s, and Lancey Park after captain of the Enterprize John Lancey.

Ron Barassi Senior was a Mellbourne Football Club rover who served as part of Australia’s World War 2 campaign in North Africa. He was killed in action at Tobruk in 1941.

He also inspired the AFL’s father-son rule, which allows clubs to preferentially recruit the sons of past players and allowed Melbourne to recruit Ron Barassi jnr.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the name would reflect the spirit of the park, which would become a place where families could spend time together.

“By mid-next year this unused, large space will be transformed into a place where people can kick a ball, walk the dog and take their children to play,” Mr Guy said.

“This park will become a significant community space for Melbourne.”

Construction of the park will take place in stages, with the first stage to deliver a sports field, community pavilion, playground and barbecue facilities.