7/3/03
An area of land that was virtually unusable because of a drain running through it has been transformed into a new recreation park in the Department of Housing and Works' Eastern Horizons New Living Project.
Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens today opened Corti Park between Charles and North Streets, Midland, after a $450,000 project to create a green space in an area which had been short of parkland.
Jointly funded by the department and the City of Swan, Corti Park is the fourth park to be created or refurbished in the Midland-Midvale area, and the biggest.
"This area has been colloquially known as 'Drain Park' for years," Mr Stephens said.
"Now it has been transformed into a community asset and named after local identity Bill Corti.
"Mr Corti was a shining example of the community spirit in the Midland-Midvale area, devoting more than 30 years to coaching Australian Rules.
"While there is some irony that locals have chosen to have soccer goals here, instead of playing Aussie Rules, Mr Corti would be delighted, because he believed in keeping them healthy and happy.
"I'm sure he would have just loved to have been here today to see Perth Glory players Jamie Harnwell and Simon Colosimo showing pupils from the Midvale Primary School the finer points of goal-kicking."
As well as playing and coaching Australian Rules, Mr Corti was also concerned for the welfare of the elderly, and was involved in the establishment of Morrison Lodge nearby.
Mr Stephens said when Midvale was built 50 years ago, the houses had big gardens and the bush was within walking distance, so the parks were quite small.
The Government has responded to the greater need for parks now that changing life- styles mean smaller gardens and much of the bushland has been built out.
A land exchange involving the department, City of Swan and a private owner produced the latest 6,000sq.m park.
Minister's Office - 9213 6500
