Purpose of the consultation

The Yarra Open Space Strategy 2020 identified the lack of open space in Collingwood and recommended investigating the opportunity to increase the size of Cambridge Street Reserve to meet the needs of the increasing population.

To inform the design of the reserve, Council consulted with the community on several occasions and at various stages of the Cambridge Street Reserve Expansion Project. Consultation occurred between May 2020 and December 2022.

During these consultations with the community on the expansion of the reserve, many of the participants indicated they wanted more open space for people to gather, relax and connect with nature.

Construction of the Cambridge Street Reserve expansion took place from 27 February to 17 October 2023 and the expanded Reserve is now open.

Following the completion of the Cambridge Street Reserve expansion, feedback has been received from some members of the community who would like more traditional play opportunities for young children introduced back into the park.

At the Council Meeting on 13 February 2024, Council resolved to consult with the community on the options for additional play equipment and play element options.

To deliver an independent analysis of the engagement data and findings, Council engaged an external consultant to collate and analyse community feedback gathered during the play space consultation.

What did we ask?

This consultation aimed to understand community preferences regarding four concept plans for additional play equipment and play elements within the reserve which were informed by the following considerations:

• Removing the existing pull-up and turnover bars and installing a four-way rocker and mini trampoline beside the existing swing. This option was present in all four concept plans.
• Providing additional natural play elements, meandering linear detail and four-square play. This option was present in all four concept plans.
• Removing up to 7% of the existing grass area and installing additional play equipment. The play equipment options provided as part of the consultation take that into consideration.

Additionally, children who attended the pop-up activities were shown three example pieces of play equipment and asked to select the one they liked the most/was their favourite.

As part of the free text:

• 89 participants expressed their preference for no change.
• 13 participants did not select an option for reasons other than seeking no change.

After hearing from more than 500 members of the community, Council resolved to support the slide variation of Option 1.c.ii which would involve:

• two trees are removed from the Reserve
• the existing balance beam is relocated within the Reserve
• new accessible surface is installed to access the basket swing
• installation of a slide in the grassed area of the Reserve (and subsequent reduction in the grassed area of approximately 7%) and investigate the inclusion of a ladder accessing the slide enabling easier access for younger children
• installation of a new four way rocker
• installation of a new mini trampoline
• installation of logs/stepper through the garden
• installation of new playful line marking including the possibility of reconstructing existing permeable granitic gravel to a hard non permeable surface to further extend option for playful line marking across the site

Council also resolved to:

• Investigate a suitable location to include a 4 square line marking space that meets safety standards and is not located adjacent to or within accessible pathways, steps, and roadways.
• Increase the intensity and range of the colour components of the new playground equipment to create a colourful play park environment.

What comes next?

The financing for additional play equipment for Cambridge Street Reserve was allocated within the 2024/25 draft Budget which was adopted by Council last night. Council will now commence the work in line with our capital works schedule. We will keep you updated as this progresses.

Visit the project page.