Stage 1 engagement

Thank you to everyone that shared their knowledge, experiences and ideas in stage 1 engagement for Malahang playground and surrounding park.

From 13 October to 23 November 2025, over 900 people shared their ideas through an online survey, interactive map and various in-person sessions. During this engagement we heard from the diverse community including children, young people, carers, Elders, First Nations families and local organisation, helping us better understand community needs and priorites for Malahang playground and surrounding park.

View the full findings report.

What we heard

  • Play spaces for everyone, with clearly zoned areas for different ages and abilities

  • Improved safety, including better visibility, lighting, fencing and safer toilet facilities

  • More play opportunities, such as swings, trampolines, slides, climbing structures and water play

  • Improved amenities, including shade, weather protection, seating, BBQs, and accessible paths and entrances

  • Dedicated spaces for young people, along with upgraded sporting areas

  • More nature and biodiversity, with opportunities for cultural expression

  • Places to gather and connect, including all‑weather spaces for community activities

What next?

These insights will help shape the draft concept plan, which will be shared with the community for feedback in mid‑2026.

Stage 1 social map

We asked you to tell us how you use the playgroung, what you love about it, and anything that you think will help create a better play space. We received over 40 comments!

Your feedback will help shape a draft concept plan for future playground improvements, which will be available for comunity feedback soon!

Take a look at the Malahang Reserve interactive map below and view comments made.

Background

Malahang Reserve is a regional park on the corner of Southern Road and Oriel Road in West Heidelberg. It is a popular community space offering a wide variety of activities for all ages. It features one of Banyule’s most visited and loved playground and many other features/amenities including:

  • a basketball / netball court
  • a skate park
  • a fustal court
  • outdoor gym equipment
  • a public toilet
  • shelters with BBQs
  • a network of paths
  • large areas of open grass and lots of trees.

Malahang Reserve is an important place for the community to gather, hosting the Malahang Community Festival, Lantern Festival, and Banyule’s National Sorry Day healing ceremony.

Playground update
The large double climbing net at Malahang Reserve needs to be removed due to ongoing maintenance issues. The ropes are frayed, and despite repeated repairs, the structure remains in poor condition. Community have also raised concerns about its safety. Unfortunately, a suitable replacement is not available as this size and height are no longer manufactured. We will remove the net and include this in the current consultation as we work with the community to reimagine the playground.

As a regional park, Malahang Reserve needs regular review to keep pace with high usage and evolving community needs. This project aims to grow a play space that reflects the local community’s character, diversity, and future needs.

For open space classifications refer to the Parks and Open Spaces homepage.