Park honours young sport

By Tania Martin
THE name of Alex Webb has become a permanent fixture in Monbulk after a park was last week dedicated to the memory of the rising soccer star.
His life was tragically cut short in July last year following a BMX accident.
Alex died from a loss of blood, after he landed awkwardly on his handle bars.
The park is the latest in a long line of tributes to the kid now known as ‘Monbulk’s Gem of a Boy’.
In January a garden and park bench were also unveiled in Alex’s name at Bayne Park Reserve.
Family and friends gathered at the Alex Webb Fun and Fitness Park last Tuesday 15 December for the official opening. The $53,000 park features two fitness areas for both adults and children and a running track.
There are stations for stretching, jumping, climbing and even cardiovascular areas. It was made possible with funding from the Yarra Ranges Shire, State Government and Monbulk Primary School.
Chandler Ward councillor Graham Warren said the park was a fitting memory to Alex.
“It will be a wonderful precinct not only for the children but the adults too,” he said.
Cr Warren said the park would be great for future generations of young people.
“This sort of thing brings the community together being active and participating in community,” he said.
Alex’s father Leo said his family was eternally grateful for the wonderful tribute to their son. “It is a lovely gesture the shire and school has done,” he said.
Mr Webb said the community had provided his family with a tower of strength since Alex’s tragic death. “All of you here tonight (Tuesday) are a big part of the reason why my family is slowly adjusting to life without our beautiful boy Alexander,” he said.
Mr Webb also said Monbulk Primary School’s principal Ray Yates had been a tower of strength.
“You were beside my side that fateful night and have stood by me ever since,” he said.
Mr Webb said it was refreshing to know that you didn’t have to be a superstar to be remembered in the ways shown in all the tributes to Alex. “Alex was just like any other kid here today and to be honest would be wondering what all the fuss is about,” he said. “We hope everyone can enjoy this facility and let it be known that you are coming up here to play and get fit at Alex’s park.”