The author's first visit to the Park was in 1948, as a kid from a disadvantaged family in the suburb of Auburn, in Melbourne's
inner east.
In those times, the Park was an amazing oasis in the vast expanses of open country,
orchards and farms, on undevoped land which would ultimately become the new suburb of Balwyn.
Most
roads then were dirt tracks, dusty in summer and mud in winter!
He remembers the dray which
transported visitors from the Mont Albert tram terminus!
A standout recollection is of the large
aviary which housed many varieties of wonderful birds, including wedge-tailed eagles. The pony rides are also fondly remembered,
and he wonders what happened to "Razorback"?!
Comments from readers would be welcomed.
Bob
Padula
May 2016
