By REBECCA BILLS
SPLISH splash, summer is upon us.
And as the sun heats up, visitors and locals can enjoy a wade of relief at water spots throughout the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
One spot that is a particular favourite among locals and visitors is Emerald Lake Park for its wide variety of parklands, lake activities and a unique wading pool which is open throughout the summer.
Lake Nobelious and Treganowan are the two glorious lakes situated at Emerald Lake Park with the wading pool located on the edge of Lake Treganowan offering scenic views over the parklands.
For the more adventurous visitors, paddles boats are available to reminisce about days gone by.
With plenty of space to explore the lake, paddlers can leisurely paddle around or mix things up with a race with friends, darting across the lake.
As the ducks cool off diving in and out, why not try your luck with some fishing on the lake’s edge.
No matter what your age or whether you are an avid angler looking for a peaceful, cool location or a first timer everyone is welcome.
Lake Treganowan is restocked twice a year with regular rainbow trout, which you can fish freely in.
After a paddle, a fish and a frolic in the wading pool, the leafy canopy over the parklands provides the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch with loved ones relaxing on one of the many picnic tables scattered throughout the park.
Or why not cook up your catch on one of the free to use barbecues making it a memorable day for all.
According to the Emerald Museum, Emerald Lake Park was purchased during the late 1880s by Carl Axel Nobelius to form part of his plant nursery holdings.
The nursery employed 80 people and produced up to three million trees and shrubs on part of what is now the park area and when the nursery was no longer viable, a processing mill at the park was installed to prepare raw fibre for transporting rope between 1913 and 1926.
After Mr Nobelius’ death in 1921, the park area was sold to William Treganowan who was encouraged to establish the area as a park.
Between 1934 and 1940 Lake Treganowan was created by the Ferntree Gully Shire Council to form the 3.4 acre lake, which lead to the park being what it is today.
Visitors now get to experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Emerald surrounds with top facilities around the park making it an easy, relaxed place to bring the family to enjoy long summer days in the hills.
Emerald Lake Park is located on Emerald Lake Road, Emerald.
For more information call 1300 131 683.
