Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this project!
We appreciate all feedback which has helped to inform the final design of this new playspace.
Construction on the playspace is anticipated to commence early 2026 and be completed by June 2026
You can follow the construction phase of this playspace here.
The Upper Playspace will include a swing set, spinner, combination play unit featuring timber elements, monkey bars and climbing wall.
The Lower Playspace will include a refreshed swing set, teepee, stepping stones and logs.
View the final designs and equipment in the gallery below.
Please note equipment images are indicative only
Play structure
Swing set
Spinner
Teepee
Upper Playspace
Lower playspace
Phase 2 Consultation
We received 39 contributions during this second phase of consultation.
Feedback relating to the Upper Playspace has informed an increase to the variety of equipment, to include more play options for a wider age range of children. We have added a toddler-friendly slide, a monkey bar and a climbing wall. While we still aim to maintain a natural theme, some of the items shown as timber in the concept design, have been replaced with metal to optimise value for money and longevity.
Feedback relating to the Lower Playspace indicated high demand for swings. To address this, we will be refreshing & retaining the swing set in the lower playspace and we have added additional elements including stepping stones and other nature-play features.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the concept designs!
Share your thoughts on the concept designs
The first image shows the concept design for the upper playspace. The second image shows the nature play area near the pre-school. Click on the hotspots below to find out more, then share your feedback on this concept design to help inform the final plans.
Please note all images used in these designs are indicative only.
Phase 1 Consultation
We received some great picture suggestions and captured lots of feedback during sessions with students from Bimbadeen Pre School and Primary School - which can be viewed below. This has helped to inform a draft concept design for the playspaces at Bimbadeen Reserve, Mooroolbark, now open for your feedback.
The top five things we heard are important to you in the design were;
- Nature play elements.
- We have designed a timber-themed playspace, including timber play units, natural logs, and rocks.
- Accessibility of equipment and pathways.
- A new sealed path will connect to existing footpaths and rubber patches will provide access to some equipment.
- Seating.
- Existing seating and picnic table will be relocated to a better location. Additional seating will be provided.
- Shade.
- The location is close to existing canopy trees. Some new plantings have been included to provide future shade.
- Climbing equipment.
- A rope climbing structure will be included as part of the main play unit, along with a timber climbing frame to cater to older children and support more challenging physical play.
We heard that our community values both of these spaces. However, to make the most of the limited funding available, a decision has been made to create one playspace at the top of the hill - making use of the shade from existing trees and views to the Dandenongs, for the formal play equipment will be located. The smaller nature based playspace beside the pre school will include a timber teepee, logs and rocks for informal play and additional seating being added.
There were some things you suggested that have not been incorporated into this playspace design. As a local level playspace, water play, sandpits, bike tracks and basketball court are not possible. Fencing will not be installed after consideration of the location.
View feedback we received from Bimbadeen Pre School when the team visited and asked the children to help imagine their dream playspace.
Whilst we can't build the superpowers you requested into the design, we hope that you can have a great time creating these yourselves!!
This reserve is situated Bimbadeen Drive, Mooroolbark View Map
The existing play equipment is currently split over two locations within the reserve. As part of this renewal project, we are considering a more integrated approach to the playspace.
As this is a local-level playspace area, large infrastructure such as shelters, toilets and barbeques will not be provided.
The aim of the initial survey was to understand how you currently use the spaces and how you would like to see them developed to create a valued place for the community.
Using feedback previously collected, Council have worked with a team of consultants to develop a draft concept design which is now being advertised to the community in this second consultation phase for further feedback.
During this project, consultation was held and feedback collected, from local stakeholders including but not limited to;
- Bimbadeen Pre-School,
- Bimbadeen Heights Primary School,
- Mooroolbark Umbrella Group
- Mooroolbark Traders & Community Group
Council uses the word playspace, instead of playground because it covers more than the equipment. It reflects the wide range of users, age groups and experiences of the community in the space.
This survey is looking for your feedback on how to improve this playspace for the future. If you need to report damaged or missing playspace equipment or any other playspace issues/concerns about other playspaces in Yarra Ranges, please Report an issue with a playspace Yarra Ranges Council.
The existing playspace will be renewed in line with the recommendations within the Playspace Plan 2019-2029. As this is a local-level playspace, large infrastructure such as water play, public toilets, shelters and BBQ's along with formal skate and bike activity spaces cannot be accommodated in the scope of these works.
Nature play is an emerging trend in playspace design recognising the physical, social, cognitive and creative benefits of people’s contact with nature. These playspaces include natural elements (e.g. rocks, logs and plants) and provide materials that have no ‘fixed purpose’ (e.g. branches). Children in these spaces adapt them to suit their scenarios and games rather than being limited by the design. Natural areas in an outdoor playspace can include: • a range of plants to encourage play and touch through climbing, seed pods, branches and bark • elements for cubby house construction • small pits of pebbles, gravel, and smooth river rocks • natural environments that encourage birds, butterflies and other insects • logs and rocks for climbing and balance.
