Council's recent landscaping works at Lundgren Chain Reserve have been warmly welcomed by local resident, Keith, the 94-year-old son-in-law of Oscar "Ossie" Lundgren, former councillor, community leader, and the reserve's namesake.

After seeing the renewal works underway at the reserve, Keith (pictured with Council's Parks and Natural Environment team) contacted Council to express his appreciation, saying, "Oscar would be very proud."

Oscar served as Mayor of Box Hill in the 1960s and was widely recognised for his commitment to the local community. Keith, who married one of Oscar's twin daughters, Betty, has a long personal connection to what he affectionately calls "Dad's Park".

He recalls taking part in the reserve's original planting in 1992 and can still point out many of the trees he planted. Remembering Oscar as a man with both a strong community spirit and sharp business acumen, Keith said, "Above all, he was an amazing father figure to me. I lost my parents at a young age, so he took me under his wing when I married Betty."

Having lived nearby for many years, Keith and Betty regularly walked through the reserve and watched it evolve over time.

As the reserve continues to evolve, Council has partnered with profit-for-purpose registered charity Waverley Social Enterprises to maintain the new open space adjoining Lundgren Chain Reserve.

The open space was delivered as part of the first phase of works for the Suburban Railway Loop (SRL). Council staff and Waverley Social Enterprises will work together over the next 2 years to deliver routine maintenance and support the overall presentation and usability of the popular reserve in Burwood.

The partnership between Council and Waverley Social Enterprises will ensure the area remains a place that honours its history while serving the community for generations to come.

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