River Gum Walk, Heidelberg is a linear reserve with a shared path running through it. Large River Red Gums are a feature of this reserve.

Past flood events have deposited mulch from this playspace into stormwater pits and prevented floodwater from getting away which has caused problematic flooding within the park and for surrounding properties.

To overcome this issue we are proposing to redevelop the current play space at River Gum Walk into a picnic and scooter play area and introduce nature play elements.

We will be removing the existing playground and creating a birds nest themed play trail with a series of natural elements, stone eggs, rustic tee pee like structures so that children can build and create and a birds nest swing or rocker within the landscape. Set amongst a backdrop of river red gums these features will provide a unique nature play experience.

The design will also incorporate a large section of the original shared concrete path and the new scooter loop will also link in to this existing path and provide access to a picnic table and basket swing.

We’re excited to be starting works at River Gum Walk Play Space and would like to share the final plan with you. (See Document Library)

The new play space will include refurbished play equipment, a scooter track, a picnic table and seats, plus new garden beds with grasses, shrubs and a big shade tree.

During our public consultation late last year, we learned that our nature play proposal had limited support, and we received a number of requests to keep the playground in the same spot. Residents who had experienced flood damage to their properties also showed interest to see the soft fall changed to rubber matting.

Considering all of this, we decided it was best to keep the playground where it was and replace the mulch with a rubber mat safety surface. Importantly, this will stop stormwater pits from blocking and flooding the park and surrounding properties. What’s more, the mats are durable, low maintenance and eco-friendly. They allow water to quickly flow out to the perimeter of the playground. This means children can resume playing as soon as the rain stops.

Works will commence on 20 May and the new play space is expected to be open in mid-June.