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A draft concept for West Mayling Reserve playground

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

We heard from more than 30 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 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 West Mayling Reserve playground.

The draft concept design responds to community feedback by including:

  • A new concrete path connecting Service Road and Westdale Court
  • A new picnic table and seating area for gathering and relaxing
  • New garden planting to support local wildlife and help people connect with nature
  • New shade trees
  • Improved fencing along the reserve boundaries
  • Play equipment for children of different ages, including:
    • A swing set with a nest swing
    • A cubby house
    • A low sramble net
    • A play unit with a roof, featuring two slides, monkey bars, a play shop and climbing activities.

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.
  • Fitness equipment and other active recreation features are not included in the draft concept plan. A new basketball ring will be installed at nearby Winsor Reserve once the North East Link works are complete and the reserve is reinstated.
  • New public toilets locations are guided by Banyule’s Public Toilet Plan. West Mayling 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 West Mayling Reserve, 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 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 has 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 West Mayling Reserve during the first stage engagement.

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

  • 22 people completed an online survey
  • 3 people dropped a pin on a map to share how they use the space
  • 5 adults and 2 children attended a pop-up conversation at the playground on 2 May 2026.

We heard that the reserve is a valued community space that has the potential to be 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

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 local-level park, with the overall size and scope guided by the available budget.

Your favourite things about the park:

  • Nature

    You like the reserve's natural character, including open green spaces, mature trees and small hill.

  • Locality

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

  • Potential

    The potential for the reserve to become a more active and well-used community space once the North East Link Project is complete.

Key focus areas

You highlighted three key focus areas for improvement:

  • Celebrate the reserve's natural features and green spaces and it's natural character.
  • 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

West Mayling Reserve playground

West Mayling Reserve playground is a local playground in Watsonia. The triangular shaped park is bordered by nearby homes and has entry points at Service Road, Mayling Road and Westdale Court. It is close to the North East Link tunnel opening.

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

The playground is located in the centre of the park, surrounded by mature trees and a small mound. It currently includes a play structure, rocker, swings and a small see-saw. It will be renewed in 2027.

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