Circa 1940s
Although the Vaughan mineral spring was discovered in the late 1800s it wasn’t until the advent of the motor car about 1900-1910 that The Springs became a very popular location for large group picnics and gatherings. The Mt Alexander Shire Council, The Castlemaine Progress Association and other groups worked to set up facilities for visitors who not only came from the local district but as far as Melbourne as well. One of the facilities set to provide an outlet, particularly for the children, was this picnic sports lawn track which was in reality a fenced, 50 metres long running track. It was located in close proximity to the swimming area, the change rooms and the kiosk.
2022
This modern photograph reveals that there has been virtually no change in over 80 years except for a bitumen track and an information sign. The track was frequently used up to the mid 20th century but is now probably not used at all. In the early 1950s I had the pleasure of accompanying relatives on an annual basis from Kyneton to Vaughan Springs to take part in a Lodge picnic, and I had the opportunity on a number of occasions to race down the track with the other children. Although the track remains intact, other surrounding facilities have fallen into decay. The reserve incurred significant damage in the October 2022 floods and had to be closed until repairs could be undertaken. Information and photos kindly supplied by Ken McKimmie.