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A draft concept for Dunvegan Parklands playground

Thank you to everyone who shared their local knowledge and ideas to help shape the new playground at Dunvegan Parklands.

We heard from more than 145 people through an online survey, interactive map and in-person activities.

Your feedback helped shape the draft concept, which aims to create a place where people can play, connect with nature and spend time together. Have your say until 28 September 2026.

Based on your feedback

The community highlighted three key priorities for the parklands:

  • Celebrate the reserve's natural character by protecting and enhancing its green spaces and natural features.
  • Create more play opportunities for both younger and older children.
  • Make the reserve more welcoming and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities.

Take a look at the draft concept design for Dunvegan Parklands playground.

The draft concept design responds to community feedback by including:

  • A new concrete path connecting the reserve to Vincent Street
  • New picnic tables, benches, bike racks and a drinking fountain
  • New garden planting to support nature and local biodiversity
  • New shade trees and a shelter
  • Artwork celebrating Salt Creek and the local natural environment
  • Improved fencing along the street frontage to enhance safety
  • A small extension to the basketball area with new line marking
  • Nature play features and garden beds with native planting
  • Play equipment for children of different ages, including:
    • A multi-play unit featuring:
      • Two slides
      • Firefighter pole
      • Climbing elements
      • Net bridge
      • Stairs
      • Play shop
      • Small roofed areas
    • Swing set with two splash-proof seats and a baby capsule seat
    • Basket swing
    • Low climbing net
    • Spinner
    • Cubby and loose parts play area
    • Water play area with a hand pump

While we carefully considered all ideas shared by the community, some suggestions have not been included due to factors such as available space, budget, safety requirements and ongoing maintenance considerations.

The following suggestions have not been included in the draft concept plan:

  • The play equipment was selected based on community feedback, the size of the reserve and the available budget. As a result, not all suggested play items could be included.
  • Active recreation features, including a full soccer pitch and basketball court three point line, are not included in the draft concept plan given the topography of site.
  • New public toilets locations are guided by Banyule’s Public Toilet Plan. Dunvegan Parklands is not identified as a location for a public toilet.
  • BBQ facilities are generally provided in larger neighbourhood parks that also have public toilets. Given the size and function of Dunvegan Parklands, a BBQ area is not proposed.

All feedback helped shape the draft concept plan and informed the decisions made during its development.

To view 'what we heard' during stage 1 engagement, visit the tab below.

Get involved

  • Talk with the Open Space Planning Team

    Contact Esther to book a 20 minute conversation (by phone or online) about Dunvegan playground.

    Phone: 9422 6186

    Email: openspaceplanning@banyule.vic.gov.au

What can you influence?

  • Play equipment and features – help us confirm whether the proposed play equipment and features meet the needs of different ages, abilities and play preferences.
  • Paths and connections – help us refine the proposed path network to ensure it provides safe, convenient and accessible access to the play space, surrounding park areas and places.

The following project elements have already been determined:

  • The playground renewal – Council have committed to renewing the existing playground as part of the project.
  • The playground size and budget – the playground has been planned as a neighbourhood park, with the overall size and range of features guided by the available budget.

What we heard

Thank you to everyone who shared their local knowledge and ideas for the playground at Dunvegan Parklands during the first stage engagement.

145 people shared their local knowledge from 20 April to 17 May 2026:

  • 82 people completed an online survey
  • 9 people dropped a pin on a map to share how they use the space
  • 19 adults and 6 children attended a pop-up conversation at the playground on 2 May 2026
  • 2 people sent feedback by mail
  • Approx. 30 children from Skye Coop shared ideas (3 and 4 year old kindergarten groups and toddlers).

We heard that the reserve is a valued community space that is used and enjoyed by the community.

Take a look below at some of the other things we heard, or do a deeper dive by reading the Feedback Summary Report.

What the community could influence

During Stage 1 engagement, community feedback helped inform:

  • Play equipment – community feedback helped identify the types of play opportunities and equipment preferred for different ages and play styles.
  • Paths to the playground – feedback informed where paths could be located to improve access, safety and connectivity.

What the community couldn't influence

The following project elements were predetermined:

  • The playground renewal – Council had already committed to renewing the existing playground as part of the project.
  • The playground size and budget – the playground was planned as a neighbourhood-level park, with the overall size and scope guided by the available budget.

Your favourite things about the park:

  • Nature and wildlife

    You like the parklands natural character, mature trees, birds, bees, native plants, peaceful surroundings, and scenic views.

  • Convenient location

    Its convenient location close to home, the kindergarten, and connected to Gresswell Forest.

  • A place to connect

    The parkland is a strong community gathering space with shaded seating, links to Syke Co-op, and is a popular spot for dog walking.

  • Open green space

    The parkland is valued for walking dogs, kicking a ball, flying model planes, and other informal recreation activities.

Key focus areas

You highlighted three key focus areas for improvement:

  • Celebrate the reserve's natural character by protecting and enhancing its green spaces and natural features.
  • Create more play opportunities for both younger and older children.
  • Make the reserve more welcoming and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities.

What next?

Your ideas and feedback have helped shape a draft concept plan. Have your say on the plan by 28 September 2026.

Stage 1 social map

View below what the community told us during Stage 1 community engagement.

Background

Dunvegan Parklands playground

Dunvegan Parklands playground is a neighbourhood playground in Macleod. The park sits between nearby homes and Gresswell Forest. Salt Creek being runs underground beneath the parklands.

The park is a well-loved place for locals to meet, walk and spend time together.

The playground will be renewed in 2027, and we want to hear from the community now to better plan for and design the new space.

The playground is located in the centre of the park, surrounded by mature trees and open grassy areas. It currently includes a play structure, rockers, swings and multi person see-saw. There is also a basketball and netball hoop next to the playground. It will be renewed in 2027.

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