Step into the past at Police Point Shire Park
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Published on 1st April 2015 in Blog, Mornington Peninsula Activities
When on holiday at Mornington Peninsula, there are plenty of activities and destinations designed to help you relax and unwind. From taking a dip in the neighbouring hot pools, to partaking in a long and leisurely round of golf, your holiday can be as carefree as you wish.
Once such option is to explore some of the many parks across the region. With a range of flora and fauna to see and appreciate, you're spoiled with choice on Mornington Peninsula.
If you have a penchant for history, a great choice for your outdoor exploring is Police Point Shire Park, located at the end of Port Nepean Road in Portsea.
The history of Police Point Shire Park
From 1850-1970s, Police Point Shire Park was the location of the local police barracks. In 1970, the site was used by the Department of Defence, repurposing the police barracks for army use.
More recently, the historic cottages have largely stood empty and unused, aside from four staff houses that are used for occasional respite accommodation.
In 2004, the government transferred the land to the Mornington Peninsula Shire, and the park was established. It has since been added to the National Heritage List in 2006, and is also included in heritage listings at both state and local levels.
Visiting the park today
Learn from the past, enjoy the present and share the future.
According to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Management Plan, Police Point Shire Park was established "as a place for the whole community, where people learn from the past, enjoy the present and share into the future".
To preserve this, the council has launched a restoration project on the six existing cottages. Led by the Woodworkers of the Southern Peninsula group, the project is focussed on protecting the heritage buildings for generations to come.
"The woodworkers have brought their incredible skill to the project – and it's been wonderful for the Shire to work in partnership with them and to have our community get involved in this great project," Mornington Peninsula Shire Nepean Ward Councillor Tim Rodgers said in a March 27 statement.
"Restoration work to the shed and former laundry is really coming along, and we look forward to seeing these buildings restored and once again made useful for our community," he added.
Four of the cottages are currently being used as respite accommodation for caretakers and their families, while the final two buildings have been set aside for use as future arts and culture hubs in the region.
The former Superintendent's house, for instance, is likely to become an art gallery once it has been restored. While this may be some time away, Police Point Shire Park is still a great place to visit now to explore some of Mornington Peninsula's important historic landmarks.