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A draft concept for Sylvan Reserve playground

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

We heard from more than 65 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 reserve:

  • Celebrate the reserve's natural character and topography 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 Sylvan Reserve playground.

The draft concept design responds to community feedback by including:

  • A new concrete path connecting Sylvan Street, Alban Street and the playground.
  • A new picnic table, while keeping the existing seating for visitors to enjoy.
  • New garden planting to support local wildlife and strengthen connections to nature.
  • New shade trees to help keep the park cool and comfortable.
  • Improved fencing along the street edge to help make the reserve safer.
  • Play opportunities for a range of ages and abilities, including:
    • A large play unit with:
      • two slides
      • climbing nets
      • stairs
      • a firefighter pole
      • a rope bridge
      • small roofed areas.
    • A swing set with splash-proof seats and a baby swing.
    • A small inclusive spinner.
  • New line marking on the basketball court, including four square courts and a new netball hoop.
  • Nature play features and garden beds with native plants.

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.
  • A larger basketball court is not included in the draft concept plan due the topography of the Reserve.
  • New public toilets locations are guided by Banyule’s Public Toilet Plan. Sylvan Reserve 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 Sylvan Reserve, a BBQ area is not proposed.
  • There are currently no plans for a dog park in the Montmorency area and Sylvan Reserve would not be large enough to accommodate one.

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 West Mayling 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 local 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 Sylvan Reserve during the first stage engagement.

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

  • 41 people completed an online survey
  • 14 people dropped a pin on a map to share how they use the space
  • 8 adults and 1 children attended a pop-up conversation at the playground on 2 May 2026
  • 1 person sent feedback by email.

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

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

Community feedback helped inform:

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

What the community couldn't influence

The following project elements had already been determined:

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

  • Nature and trees

    You like the reserve's natural character, especially the trees.

  • Convenient location

    Its convenient location close to home and the way it connects with surrounding spaces and places.

  • Open quiet space

    The reserve's open green space and peaceful atmosphere make it a welcoming place to relax, play and enjoy the outdoors.

  • Popular play and recreation

    The playground and basketball court are well-loved features that provide fun, active recreation for children, young people and families.

Key focus areas

You highlighted three key focus areas for improvement:

  • Celebrate the reserve's natural features and topography.
  • Create more opportunities for younger and older children to play.
  • Make the reserve more welcoming, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

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

Sylvan Reserve playground

Sylvan Reeserve playground is a local playground in Montmorency. The park is bordered by Alban Street, Coventry Street and Sylvan Street and residential houses to one side.

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 closest to Sylvan Street, near mature trees and a small grassy area. It currently includes a play structure, rocker, swings and a small see-saw. There is also a basketball court next to the playground.

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