Flooding Issues Continue to Disrupt
Ongoing flooding continues to impact the Lewis Park Reserve parkrun course. Moreover, recent heavy rain has raised fresh safety concerns. The Scoresby Road and Lewis Road underpasses are closely monitored by event organisers. Flooding has already forced several cancellations this year.
Subsequently, organisers check conditions the night before each event and advise participants of any risks. However, conditions can change quickly, so despite checks conducted the day prior, the event may still not necessarily proceed as planned.
Responsibility and Calls for Action
Knox Council and Melbourne Water manage the affected underpasses. Despite some remedial work, the flooding issues remain an ongoing concern.
Moreover, community concern has grown in recent weeks as the wetter months approach. Residents and participants want long-term solutions. They aim to prevent repeated disruptions to this growing event.
Weekly Event Details at Wantirna South
The parkrun takes place at 98 Lewis Road, Wantirna South. It offers a free, timed 5km event each Saturday morning.
First-time runners should attend at 7:45am. The Run Director delivers a briefing at 7:55am before the 8am start. Participants receive a barcode and must bring it each week.
Participants can also share milestones during the briefing so the community can celebrate them.
Community Growth Despite Challenges
The event continues to grow despite ongoing disruptions. Participation has increased by 79% over the past year. As a result, it now ranks among the top five fastest-growing parkruns in the country, with nearly 7000 participants. The Lewis Park Reserve parkrun celebrated its fourth birthday in January, highlighting the strength of the local running community.
A Community Event built on Respect
Respectful behaviour remains essential. Silence is required during the Run Director’s briefing. Participants must follow community expectations. The course runs along a shared public path, so everyone must keep left and stay no more than two abreast. This approach ensures safe movement for all park users.
Volunteers Help Keep Event Running
Volunteers play a vital role in delivering the weekly event. They support operations, ensure safety, and maintain accurate timing.
Key roles include Timekeeper, Course Marshal, and Car Park Marshal. Each role helps deliver a smooth event. Additional support roles include Backup Timekeeper, Finish Token Support, and Photographer.
Organisers welcome anyone willing to assist. While regular commitments help most, even occasional support strengthens the event.
You can find the Lewis Park Reserve parkrun on Facebook.
Future of Event Depends on Action and Support
The long-term success of the Lewis Park Reserve parkrun depends on two key factors. Firstly, a lasting solution to flooding remains critical. Without it, disruptions will continue to affect safety and consistency. At the same time, participation continues to grow each month. This growth increases pressure on event operations and volunteers.
For the event to thrive, infrastructure improvements and community support must align. Addressing flooding while building a strong volunteer base will secure a safe, reliable, and inclusive event for years ahead.
