“Of Indian origin”. Does that intrigue you? That’s the apparent meaning of Meruka, the name of this park. Welcome to Meruka Park in Eltham.
Eltham Council acquired a house here long ago. It was called ‘Tralford’. The council used the house as a community arts facility. It also served as emergency accommodation. Sadly, it fell into disrepair. The house was demolished around 1990.
The name Meruka was suggested by Alan Gardner. The connection of the name with the land is unknown. ‘Tralford’ stayed in the North family for many years.
Today, Meruka Park offers a blend of community spaces and natural beauty. It’s a place where history and recreation intertwine.
In April 1994, the Meruka Child Care Centre opened here. It was built on the site of the old house. The centre incorporates some architectural features of the old house. The Nillumbik Shire Council members and dedicated parents in the community assisted in establishing it.
Meruka Child Care Co-operative is a small community. It is run by a Parent Committee of Management. The Nillumbik Shire Council supports it. The centre embodies the spirit of a co-operative. It is made up of families with common childcare needs and goals. Parents are co-owners. Therefore, they have a real say in what happens in the centre.
The original drive remains. It is flanked by large old cypress trees. These trees are considered to be of local heritage significance. Meruka Park is covered by a Heritage Overlay. This falls under the Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Part of the park has been preserved. It serves as a habitat for rare local flora.
The playground receives some shade from cypress trees. It has a wave slide and a ladder. An abacus and a shop front add to the fun. There is a chain bridge and a climbing mat too. Kids can enjoy the fireman’s pole. An inclined climber and stepping stones provide more challenges. Monkey bars and hanging disks offer active play. A horse springer, see-saw, and swings round out the playground equipment. An unshaded table provides a spot for snacks.
Another piece of history remains nearby. Leon Lambert’s house, ‘Glen Ellen’, still stands. It fronts Meruka Drive and is well-preserved. Lambert was a French architect. He designed the Glaciarium Ice Skating Rink. In 1919, J.B. North and Leon Lambert purchased three farms here. They were used for orchards and market gardens. Lambert designed two homes. One was for the North family. The other was ‘Glen Ellen’ for himself and his wife. The homes were considered “brother and sister”. They each had an identical bay window.
‘Glen Ellen’ originally comprised several rooms. It has been extended over the years. Much of the original architecture has been retained. This includes timber paneling and three fireplaces. The land was subdivided in approximately 1966. ‘Glen Ellen’ retained approximately one half acre of land.
So, as you wander through Meruka Park, remember its layers of history. From the demolished ‘Tralford’ to the preserved ‘Glen Ellen’. From the community-focused childcare center to the heritage-listed cypress trees. Meruka Park is a place where the past and present meet. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of community, nature, and history that defines this special place.