Thank you to everyone who contributed feedback to inform the final design of this new playspace.
We anticipate construction on the playspace to commence by early 2026 and be completed by June 2026
You can follow the construction phase of this playspace here.
This playspace will feature a combination play unit, spinner, monkey bars, trampoline, standard and birdsnest swings.
View the final designs and equipment in the gallery below.
Please note equipment images are indicative only
Mt Evelyn Recreation Reserve playspace design
Phase 2 Consultation
We received 24 contributions during this second phase of consultation.
Feedback has informed replacing the turnover bar with monkey bars and the inclusion of a communication board to support children and visitors with disabilities. An accessible path and rubber soft fall finishing will link the equipment to seating and the shelter. The existing sculpture will remain, and landscaped with lower plants.
There were some things you suggested that have not been incorporated into this playspace design. For longevity, use of timbers for structural parts of play equipment is limited. As a local level playspace, water play and bike tracks are not possible. You can also visit the District level playspace at nearby Morrison Reserve Playspace. Feedback around provision for dog recreation will be addressed in Councils People and Dogs in Parks project.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the concept designs!
View the concept plans then share your feedback!
Click on the hotspots below to find out more, then share your feedback to help inform the final plans.
Please note all images used in the concept designs are examples only.
Please note all images are examples only.
Image 1 of 6
Phase 1 Consultation
We captured lots of feedback during the first round of consultation and heard that our community really values this space. This has helped to inform a draft concept design for the playspaces at Mt Evelyn Recreation Reserve, now open for your feedback.
The top things we heard are important to you in the design were;
- Nature play elements.
- We have included a timber-themed playspace, including timber play units, natural logs, and rocks to support formal and informal nature-based play.
- Accessibility of equipment and pathways.
- A new sealed path will rum through the space and rubber patches will provide access to some equipment including an inclusive timber spinner.
- Spaces to gather and sit.
- Existing seating and picnic table will be retained and connected to a path to improve accessibility. New tree planting to provide future shade
- Swings.
- The design includes a triple swing sets, with regular seat, toddler seat and one pod swing.
- Climbing equipment.
- A climbing structure will be included as part of the main play unit, along with a climbing wall to cater to older children and support more challenging physical play.
There were some things you suggested that have not been incorporated into this playspace design. As a local level playspace, water play and a flying fox are not possible.
This reserve is situated at Tramway Road, Mt Evelyn View Map
The aim of the phase 1 engagement was to understand how you currently used the space and how you would like to see the space developed to create a valued place for the community.
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 additional shelters will not be provided.
This space currently has toilets, picnic tables, barbeques facilities and shelters.
Council have worked with a team of consultants to develop a draft concept design which is now available to the community during this second consultation phase for further feedback.
We will continue to seek feedback from local stakeholders including;
- Melba Support Services,
- Mt Evelyn Junior Football Club, Football Netball Club and Cricket Club
- Mt Evelyn Sports and Community Hub (MESCH)
- Mt Evelyn Township Group,
- Mt Evelyn History Group
- Mt Evelyn Community House
- Mt Evelyn Environmental Protection & Progress Association (MEEPPA)
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.
