Jells Park shared-use trail

Project status

Image shows timeline for Jells Park Shared-Use Trail project. Community consultation was completed in early 2022. Draft designs were developed and shared with the community in early 2023. Designs will be finalised between mid and late 2023. A contractor will be appointed to the project in late 2023. Construction will commence in mid 2024, and the project will be completed in late 2024.

Project timeline is subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, and environment and cultural heritage assessments.

Last updated: September 2023

The project

This project is being delivered on Wurundjeri Country.

Jells Park is a much-loved park in Melbourne’s south-east, offering plenty of opportunities to soak up the benefits of being in nature. From its fantastic contemporary playspaces, great access for visitors with diverse needs, big open spaces for exercise and several picnic areas for recreation.

A project is now underway to develop a shared-use Bushland Trail, made up of some new track and through the resurfacing of existing trails at the park.

Following community consultation, an additional shorter loop Lake Trail has also been included in designs for the project. This trail will appeal to a wide variety of visitors and is focused around the café and playscapes with views across the lake.

The project also includes installation of lighting, signage, drinking fountains and seating along the trails.

Environmental and cultural heritage assessments will inform exactly where, when and how components of the project are delivered.

Project benefits

Visitors

The new trails will provide visitors with more opportunities to exercise in the park. The shared-use trails will enable visitors to walk, run or cycle along the tracks, taking in views of Jells Lake and the open green spaces of the park. The Lake Trail will also have a focus on safety and accessibility, ensuring the space can be enjoyed by all park users.

Environment

The development of new pathways is expected to improve drainage into Dandenong Creek.

Community

The community was consulted in 2022 and their feedback has helped to shape the draft designs - ensuring the trail meets the expectations and needs of park users.

Project funding

The Victorian Government is investing $5.9 million to deliver this project.

Environment and cultural heritage management

We are working with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to develop and implement a Cultural Heritage Management Plan to ensure the cultural values of the site are protected.

Environmental impacts will be minimised wherever possible for this project.

Who are we working with?

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Monash City Council
Melbourne Water

Access changes

Early 2023 access changes: Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program

As part of the Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program, new and upgraded barbecues, drinking fountains and accessible picnic tables and toilets will also be installed at Jells Park.

These works are being delivered separately to the shared-use trails project and have now commenced. During these works the following access changes will be in place:

Southern picnic area: access to picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, playground and shelters will be limited or closed.
Eastern picnic area: access to picnic tables and barbecues will be limited or closed.

For more information about the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program visit the project page.

Staying updated and how to contribute

A summary of community feedback on the project can be found on the Engage Victoria website.

You can also stay up to date by subscribing to community updates on this project.

Related information

News January 2023: Draft designs released for Jells Park trails

News July 2022: Community helping shape new trails at Jells Park

June 2022: Community feedback summary report

News March 2022: Have your say on a new trail at Jells Park

News October 2021: Two new Jells Park play spaces swing into action

Jells Park

FAQs

How can I contribute to the use and design of the trail?

Parks Victoria is committed to seeking feedback from park users, community groups and traditional owners.

Visit the Engage Victoria website for information on how consultation has helped to inform the shared-use trails project design.

What impact will my input have on the new trail?

Understanding how people want to use the trail and what they would like to see has shaped draft designs.

Some areas of the design have also been informed by environmental, heritage and cultural heritage requirements.

When will the trail be finished/built?

Construction commencement and completion is subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, and environment and cultural heritage assessments.

Can I ride my bike on the new trail?

Yes, you will be able to ride your bicycle along the shared-use trail. Safety considerations and signage for all users have been factored into the trail design.

Have you consulted with the Traditional Owner group?

Parks Victoria is committed to working with Traditional Owner groups and ensuring that their expectations and needs are incorporated into the design and development of the new trail. We are working with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to develop and implement a Cultural Heritage Management Plan to ensure the cultural values of the site are protected.

Will there be lighting so it’s safe to run on the track at night?

Yes, lighting will be installed along the Lake Trail, for safer use in the early morning and later into the evening.