Whittlesea Public Gardens redevelopment

The first stage of the redevelopment of Whittlesea Public Gardens includes an impressive new playground, equipped with a large play tower, double flying fox, rope climbing unit, swings, slides, in-ground trampolines, rockers, nature play and more.

The first stage also includes a new learn-to-ride area. It has fun-sized roundabouts, speed bumps, intersections and crossings, providing hours of fun and education.

Official opening

Stage 1 of the redevelopment opened to the public just before Christmas 2022.

On February 15 2023, the playground was officially opened by:

• Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne MP 
• Member for Thomastown, Bronwyn Halfpenny MP 
• City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator, Lydia Wilson.

The second stage of the multimillion-dollar redevelopment will deliver some exciting new attractions.

The upgrade will feature:

• a 100-metre-long street-style skate park designed to test the skills of beginner, intermediate, and advanced skaters.
• two half-court basketball courts
• a rock-climbing wall
• kick-about space with soccer goals

There will be a range of amenities installed for the comfort and convenience of visitors. These will include

• two large shelters with barbecues
• seating
• drinking fountains
• paths
• lighting and landscaping.

• Wetland and waterways improvement including increased native vegetation, rockwork and boardwalks
• Continued network of pedestrian and cycle paths with lighting throughout the reserve
• Protection and enhancement of the Native Grassed conservation zone to the north west corner of the reserve.
• Natural water play elements around the wetlands.
• Outdoor fitness equipment.
• Repurpose the redundant lake into an irrigated events lawn.

This project has been made possible through funding from the City of Whittlesea and the Victorian Government.

Stage 2 is expected to be complete by mid-2024.

Stage 3 of the redevelopment is scheduled to commence construction in 2024.

The existing 8000m² dog off-leash area will be upgraded to incorporate contemporary dog park design concepts, which provide health and social benefits to both dogs and their owners. This includes a connected but partitioned 'Quiet Dog Zone', which has become a valued feature in City of Whittlesea dog off-leash parks.

The upgrade also includes a perimeter fence line design to remove right angles, installation of public bins, public seating, drinking fountains, shelters, park signage and double entry gates.

The design features various forms of surface treatments to enhance sensory interaction for dogsx, while a mixture of hardscape and natural elements will complement the natural characteristic of the broader Whittlesea Public Gardens.

A new car park will be included as part of stage 2 of the redevelopment.

The car park design includes 100 car park spaces, integrated water sensitive urban design, lighting, bus parking, drop off zones and provision for an overflow parking area for community events and peak use periods.

Additional parallel parking on surrounding streets is also planned as part of the Downs Road residential development

Whittlesea Public Gardens is set on a 14.5 hectare parcel of land.

We will be installing park lights along key pedestrian and cycling paths to improve visibility and safety.

In addition, the increased users will provide passive surveillance in the park and sight lines into the park have been improved from Rotino Crescent.