Jells Park shared-use trail
Project status
March 2023:
- Draft designs for the project are now complete and can be viewed on the Engage Victoria website.
- Designs will be finalised and shared with the public shortly.
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 five-kilometre shared-use trail, made up of some new track and through the resurfacing of existing trails at the park.
Following community consultation, an additional 2.5km loop trail has also been included in draft 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 2.5km 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 the Jells Park community.
Project funding
The Victorian Government is investing $5.9 million to deliver this project.
Project timeline
Subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, and environment and cultural heritage assessments, the timeline for the project is estimated below:
March- April 2022: Community consultation period (complete)
Spring 2022: Design phase (complete)
Early 2023: Draft designs provided to community for feedback (in progress)
Early to mid 2023: Designs finalised
Mid 2023: Procurement of construction contractor
Mid to late 2023: Construction
This timeline will be updated as the project progresses.
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 will be delivered separately to the shared-use trails project and are expected to commence in early 2023. While the park will stay open, we may need to temporarily close or change access to some areas while we make these upgrades.
To find current details on access changes please check the Jells Park page on the Parks Victoria website for any changed conditions or call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.
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 any parts of the park be closed during construction?
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 will be delivered separately to the shared-use trails project and are expected to commence in early 2023. While the park will stay open, we may need to temporarily close or change access to some areas while we make these upgrades.
While the shared-use trails are under construction some isolated areas, such as bridges, may have detours in place for a short amount of time. Disruptions will be detailed through park signage, community updates and via this project page.
To find current details on access changes please check the Jells Park page on the Parks Victoria website for any changed conditions or call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.
Will there be lighting so it’s safe to run on the track at night?
Yes, lighting will be installed along the 2.5km trail, for safer use in the early morning and later into the evening.
