Parkville Gardens Community Picnic

Beautiful sunshine plus the promise of pony rides, children’s games and a food van brought Parkville Gardens residents out in force on Sunday, March 7. After having had to cancel a similar event at the last minute in 2020, the Parkville Gardens Residents’ Association (PGRA) was keen for the Community Picnic to be a big success – and that’s what it turned out to be.

All residents in the neighbourhood were invited to come out and make the most of the occasion.  Observing COVID-safe conditions proved no barrier to everyone’s enjoyment of the day. The Galada Ave Reserve offered plenty of space for people to meet and socialise safely.  

Naturally the attraction of free pony rides, games and refreshments (ice-creams, hot dogs and donuts) was too much for children to resist, so plenty of young kids and their parents joined in the fun.  

It was a wonderfully multi-cultural celebration too. Parkville Gardens is home to people from all sorts of places and cultures, and that was plain for all to see and enjoy on Sunday. The whole event took place in a relaxed, peaceful and sociable spirit. And the ponies were on their best behaviour too!

Funding for the picnic was covered by a 2020 community engagement grant from the City of Melbourne which could not be used last year because of COVID. The PGRA expresses its appreciation to the council for its support.

Now that the 2021 ball is in play, PGRA is looking forward to hosting another event in a few weeks’ time – a children’s Easter egg hunt. That’s sure to be popular! •