We’re upgrading the local playground at South Surrey Park, located on the corner of Verdun Street and Lille Street in Surrey Hills.

Before we design the new playground, we want to know:

• what you love about the existing one
• what could be improved
• what you’d like to see in the new playground.

Share your thoughts by posting an idea, photo or drawing in the box below, completing a short survey or attending a drop-in session.

Have your say by 5 pm Tuesday 27 August 2024.

The playground needs an upgrade because the current play equipment is ageing. The posts in the main timber play structures are also starting to rot and need to be replaced.

Our aim is to:

• build a playground which meets the needs of children and families into the future
• improve accessibility around the playground.

As we explored ways to upgrade the playground, we found that the current unsealed gravel path next to the playground needs to be upgraded. This is because it is:

• too narrow
• difficult for users to navigate
• within the tree protection area of the large trees.

The path upgrade will ensure it meets the requirements for shared paths in our Boroondara Bicycle Strategy.

To achieve this, there are 2 options we could deliver.

Option 1

This option involves adjusting the current unsealed gravel path to make it wider and more direct.

This path option:

• reduces the need for detours or crossing multiple paths
• provides efficient navigation throughout South Surrey Park
• maintains a similar alignment to the current path
• provides an opportunity to increase passive green space near the creek under the trees
• may reduce the playground footprint slightly (please note: reducing the playground footprint does not reduce the amount of play equipment installed).

Click on the Hotspots below to find out about the features of this path option.

Option 2

This option involves removing the current unsealed gravel path and instead widen the concrete footpath which runs adjacent to Verdun Street. A section of unsealed gravel path would link the new concrete footpath to the main park path through a chicane gate.

This path option:

• provides clearer visibility along the wider footpath
• redirects pedestrians and bike riders away from the playground space
• can accommodate higher levels of foot and bike traffic due to its width
• is cost efficient to maintain.

Click on the Hotspots below to find out about the features of this path option.

Please tell us your preferred path option through our survey. We’ll build the path option that receives the most community support.

You can have your say in these ways:

• post your feedback, ideas, drawing or photos in the box below
• take our short survey
• attend a drop-in session at the park on Tuesday 13 August 2024, from 3:15 pm to 5 pm (depending on the weather).

This stage of consultation closed at 5 pm on Tuesday 27 August 2024.