Stage 1 consultation summary

During the first stage of consultation from December 2021 to mid-February 2022, we gathered community feedback to help inform the draft concept deign. Below is what we heard.

  • Theme and character of the playground

    • 86% of people would prefer to keep the billabong theme.
    • 80% of people said the rustic character of the playground is important to them.

  • What could be improved

    • Adults need to be able to see children better as they play.
    • Some of the equipment needs better safety.
    • Add play equipment for children looking for a challenge, or for children over 10 years old.

    For the sand play area, some people suggested:

    • improving the sandpit with activities for small groups
    • improving the ramp entry
    • increasing the size of the sandpit
    • adding water play
    • removing the rubber rocks to make this space safer.

  • Ramped tree house

    • 67% of people said they are open to a new design for the ramped tree house.
    • 21% of people said they would prefer to keep a similar design.
    • Families with one or more members with disability are open to a new design. Some families would prefer the structure to be replaced and some families have no preference.
    • Some people suggested including more play options for climbing and improving ways to get up and down the treehouse.

  • ​Bug-shaped unit with slides

    • 56% of people said they are open to a new design for the bug-shaped unit with slides.
    • 26% of people said they would prefer to keep a similar design.
    • Families with one or more members with disability are open to a new design. Some families would prefer the structure to be replaced and some families have no preference.
    • Some people suggested adding ramped exit points.

  • Favourite parts of the playground

    • The sand play area, particularly for families with younger children.
    • The bug shaped structure with slides.
    • The 5-bay swing frame and special swing seats
    • The ramp timber structure with musical tubes, chain net and binoculars.
    • The hammock swings.

  • Least favourite parts of the playground

    • The activity panel with noughts and crosses.
    • The rubberised rock mound.
    • The bunyip sculpture.
    • The rubber lizards.
    • The single spring rocker.

Stage 2 consultation summary and resulting design changes

During the second stage of consultation in July 2022, 103 community members, including children, participated in the second and final round of consultation. Thank you to everyone who took time to have your say.

As expected for a popular playground of this size, people from multiple suburbs shared their feedback on the draft concept design. This included residents from:

  • Kew East (30%)
  • Kew (22%)
  • Balwyn North (13%)
  • Hawthorn (10%), and
  • 12 other suburbs (25%).

The feedback included insightful comments from families with children with disability, families with adults with disability, and from children. Most people who shared their feedback were women or girls (72%).

The feedback on the draft design was generally positive:

  • 81% liked the proposed mix of play equipment. Families with a child or adult with disability were more likely to suggest a wider variety of swings and nest seats.
  • 75% liked the proposed main timber play unit, including the ramps, connecting bridges, net climbs, slides, activity boards and play areas underneath. This includes two-thirds of families with a member with disability who responded during consultation. One-third of families with a member with disability who responded during consultation were unsure of the design.
  • 67% liked the proposed sand play zone including the animal sculpture, raised tables, digger and tools, access assistance and shade. One family with a member with a disability said they did not like the sand play zone but did not leave a comment explaining why or how it could be improved.
  • 66% like the proposed water play zone, however many people wanted to see more detail.

We asked for suggestions about how to make the design even better. The most frequent suggestions were:

  • Providing more challenging play for equipment for older children. Some parents commented on the need for items for siblings of children with disability.
  • Making the water play area larger, and including a fountain or sprinkler that children could run through.
  • Making the sand play area larger, and including pulleys and diggers.
  • Adding more swings suitable for children of different ages and abilities.
  • Providing more shade for people watching the playground, and in the playground itself.
  • Providing more seating for parents and carers.
  • Making the paths into the playground more accessible.

How the draft concept design has changed

The final concept design includes some changes from what was presented in the draft concept design. Some changes were made based community feedback. Below are the main changes.

Below are the main changes. Minor changes are reflected in the final concept design map on the main project page.

  • Play equipment for older children

    When asked about the draft concept design, some respondents shared concerns that there wasn’t enough challenging play equipment for older children. In response, we have added a new challenging rope climb zone to the final concept design. This is an upgrade to the net bridge and notched timber ladder which was featured in the draft concept design.

  • Sensory water zone

    Some respondents wanted to see a larger water play space with fountains, sprinkler systems and more water play items. The final concept design includes a sensory water zone with push-button water fountains and an accessible sculptural splash table. This is all we are able to deliver at this site as it is surrounded by trees.

  • Leaf-shaped roof over timber structure

    Some respondents told us having ample shade was important. In keeping with the billabong theme, we have now included leaf-shaped roofs over the accessible timber structure. The draft concept design showed an outline of an insect-shaped roof structure, however this needed to change to prioritise play value as it was cost prohibitive.

  • Changes to maintenance vehicle access

    We have moved the maintenance vehicle access point away from the playground forecourt. It will be moved to where the pedestrian entry currently is, north of the bridge which crosses Glass Creek. This is to redirect vehicles away from families and children who use the playground space.

  • Lighting upgrades in the car park and entry area

    Following further investigations, we’ll be providing some lighting upgrades in the car park. This is to improve the perception of safety and to ensure compliance with the Australian Standards for accessible car parking. We will update our community when details are finalised.

  • Additional tree works

    Our arborists found 9 additional trees around the car park that are either dead or have significant structural issues. These need to be removed and where possible replaced with new trees.