Parks Victoria and Melton Council are building a 3.5-kilometre cycling and walking trail from north to south and a new pipe bridge has been constructed by Western Water over the creek into Blamey Drive.

Friends of Toolern Creek have also been busy with other community groups working to revegetate the banks.

Friends president Lynn Holdsworth said the park was taking shape with 17,000 new indigenous plants. "We are trying to make a corridor through Melton to link the creeks. A lot of native birds and animals are coming back." Ms Holdsworth said that was important as the areas become more developed. "We are very lucky to have these ancient red gums so we need to protect them. People don't realise what we have got in Melton."

Ms Holdsworth said greening the strip was having other benefits, including less dumping of rubbish and damage from four wheel drives along the waterway.

"It's a place people can go to relax. It is a perfect spot."'

The park is expected to be open later this year. The 130 hectares are on the east side of Toolern Creek in Melton South from Bridge Road to Griegs Road, next to the new Toolern development.

The government has committed $3.27million for stage one of the development, to be complete this year. The full park will develop over a period of 15 to 20 years as funding becomes available. As well as the wetlands, grasslands and woodlands, it will eventually feature sports grounds, barbecue and picnic areas, an adventure playground and education zones.

Parks Victoria will seek input from the community and release a draft plan for public comment in the coming months.