Former Memorial Park

The former Hurstbridge Memorial Park located at 36 Greysharps Road, Hurstbridge comprising the Ben Frilay Oval and the reserve extending down to Diamond Creek.

How is it significant?

The former Hurstbridge Memorial Park at 36 Greysharp's Road, Hurstbridge is of local historic, aesthetic and social significance to the Shire of Nillumbik.

Why is it significant?

The former Hurstbridge Memorial Park is historically significant as an early civic and recreation site associated with the establishment of the Hurstbridge Township and community in the early 20th century. The land has been used for recreation purposes since 1910 and in 1920 it was purchased for the formation of a Memorial Park that included a football oval. The site is important for its associations with prominent resident and orchardist Robert Nehemiah Sharp on whose land the former Memorial Park is situated. The former Memorial Park is historically significant for its demonstration of the types of memorials established to honour those who fought in the World Wars. In 1923 the reserve was formally dedicated as a lasting memorial to all of those who served in the First World War. (Criteria A, B & H)

The former Hurstbridge Memorial Park is aesthetically significant as an intact feature of the early 20th century appearance of the Hurstbridge Township. The reserve area has remained undeveloped since it was cleared for orchard purposes in the late nineteenth century and provides a visual reminder of the early appearance of Hurstbridge including the treed backdrop to the township along the Diamond Creek. (Criterion E)

The former Hurstbridge Memorial Park and in particular the Ben Frilay Oval is socially significant for its associations with the Hurstbridge Football Club, which has used the oval on the site as its home playing venue since 1922. As a result former and current Hurstbridge Football Club members, players and supporters have special associations with the site as a place to gather and support the local football team. (Criterion G)

Group

Recreation and Entertainment

Category

Football Ground