Walker Park

Have you ever wondered who Walker Park is named after? Well, let me tell you, it’s a story about dedication and service to the community. Edgar Edwardes Walker was a Nunawading Shire Councillor for 25 years and several times Shire President. He was the founding manager of the Australian Brick, Tile and Tesselated Tile Company, which began operations in Mitcham in 1886. That company later became the Australian Tesselated Tile Company, and Walker even became its owner in 1922. It was the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Walker Park in Nunawading is a lasting monument to his achievements. The park has a long history. It was mentioned in a 1932 letter by Cr Armstrong about work for sustenance. The park was also part of a dedication service for the Youth of the Empire in 1959. It has seen many changes throughout the years. For the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay passed through Walker Park. In 2020, the State Government granted $100,000 for new cricket nets and funded the rejuvenation of the Mitcham shopping strip. The Walker Park Pavilion underwent renovations in 2019, adding a new viewing room, a sports bar, a players’ gym, a medical room, and a new ice bath. In fact, during the 2020 footy season, Walker Park was recognised as the premier ground in the EFNL. It’s not just a park; it’s a part of the community, a place for sports and leisure, and a symbol of dedication to the community.