History Ramble 2: Edwardes Lake And Park

by U3A Darebin
5 years ago
Near Reservoir, AU

42 views

Circumnavigation – 1.6km
Terrain: Moderate park pathway with minor undulations
Access: Car-park in Griffiths St. Reservoir train station and catch a bus to the park. Bicycle – direct access.

This is a pleasant and invigorating walk along the pathway around Edwardes Lake, with 8 stops to take in the ambience and history. The walk begins at the Griffiths St children’s playground, near the steam train, then proceeds clockwise. It heads north and crosses the small arm of the lake before turning west. The reverse direction can be taken of course, reading directions from last to first. A popular time for this walk may be Sundays or balmy early evenings, when families and pets are out and about. Any day is a good time to enjoy Edwardes Lake, the second largest urban lake in the Greater Melbourne Area!

In 1853 construction of the Yan Yean Reservoir began, to provide fresh water for the growing population of Melbourne. When it was completed, the natural inclination of the land proved too much for the water pipes near Melbourne so large holding tanks were built in Preston to reduce the water pressure. Up until the 1980’s, there was an irregular overflow from these Preston reservoirs into Edwardes Lake, flushing the lake clean and keeping it fresh. Many changes over the years have altered the integrity of the park and lake. However, a number of historic and contemporary elements remain as a reminder of its origins, including the perimeter plantings and other mature specimens. Some art installations have also been added.
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START IN THE GRIFFITHS STREET CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND
Stop 1 – The Train
An A2 class No964 steam locomotive engine was purchased by the Preston Council in 1968 for $640, however the transportation costs were $2,426. It has however been a popular play space for children ever since. Other play equipment nearby has been continually added over the years.

HEAD WEST STOPPING JUST BEYOND CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND – BRIDGE JUST AHEAD.
Stop 2 – BBQ Area - A Recreation Lake Created
Have a barbeque if you wish! On Sundays this area can be a little crowded.
Dwyer Edwardes’s gift of 34 acres came with conditions – the grounds were not to be fenced, thus open to all & the sale of ‘spirits and intoxicating liquids’ was prohibited. Many residents wrote letters requesting that a lake be created in this new park. In 1915 Preston Council had a plan for the park produced by the Italian engineer Carlo Catani. The planting of trees began in 1919 and community groups Continued assisted in the beautification of the area in the years following. There are remnants of these plantings on western, southern and eastern boundaries.
From 1951 this has been a popular spot for the annual Carols by Candlelight. Among other community events staged in this area is the Kite Flying Festival.

CROSS THE BRIDGE – NOTE DUCKS ON EAST SIDE. STOP WHERE THE PATH LEADS SOUTH.
Stop 3 – Sports on the Rise – Bowling Club & Scout Hall
To the north on the hill is the bowling club and scouts hall. The Reservoir Bowling Club site, on the northern rise, was an additional purchase by the Council in 1958. This was a former stone quarry which was filled in order to build the greens.
The 1st Reservoir Scouts were formed in 1949. The current hall dates from 1959.

HEAD SOUTH TOWARDS EDWARDES ST- AT DEVIATION TAKE LEFT PATH AND WALK BETWEEN WETLANDS AND THE LAKE.
Stop 4 – Boathouse and Exercise Equipment
There are great views of the lake and trees from this spot. Look for the small concrete slip way with overgrown plants. This is a remnant boat ramp from the boating days of the lake. Up until the late 1960s yachting was popular on the lake and continued for many years. However in about 1999 excessive growth of weeds and silting made it impossible. Water skiing also took place on the lake for a short time.
Have a go on the exercise equipment if you wish. The instructions on how to use it are easily visible.
The Preston Fish Protection Society and Angling Club stocked the lake with fish from an adjoining fish hatchery and fishing was a popular pastime in the lake. Unfortunately, around 1980 European Carp was illegally introduced and decimated the other species. Around this time the run-off water from local industry was adding pollutants into the lake. Fishing had to be abandoned in the late nineties.
The Rowing Club first began in 1891 but became inactive when the early brick weir washed away. A new weir and spillway were built in 1919 and the Rowing club reformed. Swimming was also very popular in the newly formed lake, but sadly there was the occasional drowning. The swimming club disbanded in 1983 due to deterioration of the lake.

FOLLOW PATH TO NEXT RECREATION AREA JUST BEFORE THE WEIR
Stop 5 – Exercise area and seating
Sit here and take in Melbourne’s secon