The park is due for an upgrade as the play equipment is old, the grassed surface is shaded and worn, and the local community is growing in size. The objective of the upgrade is to improve overall park amenity – surfaces, access, picnic facilities and play opportunities. Garryowen is a small local park serving residents and local workers. The catchment area is considered to be 150m.

• There should be some open-ended or unstructured elements for play that can be used in multiple ways.
• Due to the small park size play options won’t cater to all age groups.
• A playground shouldn’t take up more than a quarter of the space and should provide something different to other play spaces in the area.
• Consider including unstructured nature play (such as rocks, logs, etc).
• The play elements should make the most of existing trees for shade.

The park currently has a range of boundary treatments to prevent vehicles from entering the park. The need for fencing and bollards will be assessed and feedback considered.

Tree removal to improve sun aspect and reduce shading on the grass will be assessed. We will also consider replacing the trees with a more suitable variety.

The provision of the BBQ and picnic areas will be considered in relation to feedback.

The Council Order governs rules around dogs in parks. Garryowen reserve is designated as a no dogs allowed space. This is to provide some spaces in Yarra where people can go and not have to be around dogs. A change to this status would require a change to the Council Order which is not part of the scope of works proposed.

Construction is planned for the 2026-27 financial year upon funding approval.

The closing date for feedback is 9am Monday 15 September 2025.

Following the consultation period, we will review all feedback and, where we can, incorporate it into the draft Concept Design. The draft Concept Design will then be presented to Council.