LOCH MEMORIAL RESERVE

The Loch Memorial Reserve, on Loch-Poowong Road, Loch, its gates and its memorial plantings are significant. The features of heritage significance within the Memorial Reserve to be protected include: World War 1 Memorial Gate (at entrance to reserve) This gate includes four wrought iron gates, with the two central gates larger that the outer two, mounted between rough hewn granite pillars. The gates feature the rising sun motif and bronze plaques with the names of local soldiers involved in World War I. World War 2 Memorial Oak Trees A number of memorial trees are planted around the perimeter of the oval and around the edges of the picnic and parking area. Each tree has a plaque affixed dedicated to a local fallen soldier from World War II and modern conflicts. Other memorial plantings within the park grounds A single Lone Pine tree is situated in the North East corner of the oval, planted in 1983. 
Non-original alterations and additions, other than those specified above, are not significant.

The Loch Memorial Reserve, at Loch-Poowong Road is of local historic, aesthetic and social significance to the South Gippsland Shire.

Historically, the Loch Memorial Reserve's significance is both as a public memorial space and as the first permanent sporting field in Loch. This Reserve demonstrates the pride and grief felt by the Loch community, and broader South Gippsland community, surrounding the two World Wars and the significant impact these events had on the region. These sentiments continue to this day with modern memorial features being built in and around the park to reinforce its significance. (Criterion A) 
Aesthetically, the banks of the Alsop River, and the now-mature WWII Oak trees give a sense of enclosure and comfort to the space. The Memorial gates are simple and elegant in design, but provide a formal entrance and clear purpose to the space. The planting of the trees around the edge of the oval in a semi-formal style provide structure to the space. (Criterion E) 
Socially, the Loch Memorial Reserve is an important focal point for the Loch community, and it is a space for the community to commemorate and memorialise the fallen within the community and broader region. Significantly, the site and the money to formally establish the Reserve were raised from within the Loch community, ensuring the community would have ownership over the space. (Criterion G)