Park and playground to make a splash in the north

A new playground and splash park precinct will provide local families with endless fun and excitement when it opens at Hill Top Park in Doreen next year.

City of Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd joined Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell MP and State Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage MP to officially turn the first sod on the project on Wednesday 4 September.

The park will feature a splash pad about 150 square metres in size with jets, misters, water channels and more.

There will be a playground with a play unit including multiple slides, climbing nets and trampolines for older children, and another featuring a small cubby, slide and rocker for younger children.

Nature play will be encouraged through the inclusion of logs, boulders and paths, while a large picnic shelter, barbecue and upgraded car park will help make visits more comfortable for users.

There will also be new public toilets built on the site, including a Changing Places facility to cater for people with higher needs.

Council awarded a contract for the construction of the playground, splash park, public amenities and car park at the Landano Way Park at its Council Meeting on Tuesday 20 August.

City of Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd said the playground and splash park’s design had been informed by more than 700 submissions during two community consultation phases.

“Council is committed to providing residents of all ages and abilities with quality recreation spaces so they can enjoy active, healthy lifestyles,” he said.

Council is contributing $900,000 towards the project, with the Federal Government providing $1.5 million from its Investing in Our Communities Program and the Victorian Government providing a $500,000 grant from its Open Space for Everyone – Better Parks and Playgrounds Program.

Construction is expected to begin in October 2024 and continue through until mid-2025.