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Monday, 15 April 2019
1:52 PM
A
park in Waurn Ponds has been renamed in honour of the family who have owned and
occupied the land for four generations.
Councillor Ron Nelson was on hand to officially unveil ‘Baum
Park’ alongside members of the Baum family.
It was a double celebration for the family, with Mr Kenneth W Baum turning 90.
Mr Baum still lives on part
of the original property directly adjoining the park.
Known as ‘Claremont’, the 245-acre property was purchased by Mr Baum’s
grandfather Gottfried Baum in the 1890s and farmed by the family for more than
a century.
From 2000, the majority of the land was subdivided and developed into
residential housing. The park, formerly known as The Vineyard Reserve, sits on
the site of the farm’s original dam.
It is now owned and managed by the City of Greater Geelong and features more
than 5,300 square metres of open space, including a playground.
The proposal to rename the park to honour its heritage was put forward by local
resident Bruce McDonald. It was unanimously approved by council in November
last year.
Councillor Ron Nelson, Kardinia Ward:
It was a pleasure to meet Mr Baum and members of his family to celebrate the
renaming of Baum Park.
The Baum family has a long and proud history on the property and it is fitting
that the park now carries their name, so that their connection to the land and
its surrounds is not forgotten.
Mr Kenneth W Baum:
It is an honour to be around to see
this park named after our family. Four generations of Baums have lived on this
land and farmed it since the early 1890s.
The land was fertile and crops, fruit and veggies thrived. Marl was spread over
the soil to enhance growth. Cows and chooks were also part of the farming.
It is wonderful to see the Baum name on this public space. Thank-you City of
Greater Geelong.
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