Wattle Park upgrades
Project status
May 2023:
- The all-abilities playscape and the upgraded picnic area are complete and the facilities are open.
- The 3.25km walking and running track is almost complete.
- There are a few final works to be completed over the coming months, including the installation of the ceremonial space, upgrades to Monsbourgh Drive and restoration of the heritage trams.
- Engagement on the draft Wattle Park Master Plan is now open until 28 May. Have your say on the long-term vision for the park by visiting Engage Victoria.
The project
This project is being delivered on Wurundjeri Country.
Wattle Park ugrades
Wattle Park is a much-loved park with significant natural and cultural heritage, and provides visitors with an important connection to nature in a suburban landscape. Some of the facilities, including the playground, have been well-loved for many years and need updating.
This project will deliver the following new facilities and upgrades at Wattle Park:
- A nature-based playscape which has been designed to cater for all ages and abilities. The playscape will feature swings, spinners, water play, a sensory garden and a double story tram fort! The new playscape will replace the existing playground at the park.
- A 3.25 km running and walking track with a granitic sand surface, complete with signage and supporting facilities. The purpose-built track will feature natural forest and undulating hill terrain. Existing walking tracks and connections will be upgraded to create the complete track.
- Upgrades to the Wattle Park picnic area, including new BBQs, picnic shelters and tables.
- Improvements to the road and car park on Monsbourgh Drive.
The designs for this project have been developed in consultation with the community through two rounds of engagement in 2020 and 2021. To learn more about the engagement process or to view the findings from the community consultation undertaken for this project, visit Engage Victoria.
Environmental and cultural heritage assessments will inform exactly where, when and how components of the project are delivered.
To view the full design report released in January 2022 and learn more about how the concept designs were developed, visit Engage Victoria.
Wattle Park Master Plan
We have drafted a Master Plan for Wattle Park to help celebrate and protect the special natural and cultural values of the park, and preserve the site for future generations to enjoy.
The plan will set a long-term vision for the park, and looks at everything from heritage, environmental management, recreation to community use.
We want to hear what you think of the draft Master Plan. To learn about the plan and have your say visit Engage Victoria.
Project update: April 2023
The all-abilities playscape and the upgraded picnic area are complete and the facilities are open. The 3.25km walking and running track is almost complete.
There are a few final works to be completed over the coming months, including the installation of the ceremonial space, upgrades to Monsbourgh Drive and restoration of the heritage trams.
Below are photos of the completed playscape and picnic area.
Pictured above: The new playscape has been designed to be accessible for people of all-abilities, and features a double-storey tram fort, play domes, swings, slides, spinners and sensory play space.
Pictured above: The new picnic area includes new shelters, barbecues, picnic tables and accessible pathways.
Pictured above: The new playscape includes slides and a double storey tram fort, which is accessible by wheelchair with assistance.
Pictured above: Sculptures created by artist, Shlomit Moria in consultation and collaboration with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders Uncle Colin Hunter and Aunty Kim Wandin and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung artist Lewis Wandin are featured throughout the new picnic area.
Project benefits
Visitors
Visitors to Wattle Park will enjoy a better experience thanks to new picnic facilities, an extended and upgraded walking and running track, improved pathways and road connections and an all-abilities nature-based playscape for plenty of family fun.
Environment
Wattle Park has significant natural values, including significant trees, vegetation and animal species. These natural values will be celebrated in the playscape, and the undulating hilly terrain will feature as part of the walking and running track.
Community
The upgrades at Wattle Park will provide opportunities for people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities to get active and connect with nature in the park. The playscape and running track have been designed in consultation with the community, and we have taken the community’s ideas and preferences into consideration when planning the final designs.
Project funding
This project is being made possible thanks to the following funding:
- $4.3 million from the Victorian Government's $315 million Suburban Parks Program
- $850,000 from the Victorian Government’s Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program
- $500,000 from the Victorian Government to develop the Master Plan for Wattle Park
Project timeline
Subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, the timeline for the project is estimated below:
October 2021: Community consultation findings released (complete)
January 2022: Concept designs released (complete)
Mid 2022: Construction commences (complete)
Early 2023: Primary works complete, including playscape, picnic area and walking and running track
Mid to late 2023: Ceremonial space installed, and tram restoration works and upgrades to Monsbourgh Drive complete
This timeline will be updated as the project progresses.
Environment and cultural heritage management
Wattle Park has significant natural and cultural heritage which has been considered throughout this project.
We have worked closely with Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation on this project, seeking their input on the designs and ensuring the cultural heritage values of this land are protected.
We have undertaken extensive environmental assessments, including a flora and fauna assessment and an arborist assessment of potentially impacted trees. The playscape and running track have been designed to have a low impact on the environment. The playscape design weaves around existing trees and vegetation and the running track design uses existing trails for most of the upgrades. Throughout the construction period we will work with our contractors to ensure environmental impacts are minimised wherever possible.
Who are we working with?
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is our government partner for this project.
Parks Victoria is also working with Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Heritage Victoria and has sought input from the community, Friends of Wattle Park, Wattle Hill residents and Whitehorse City Council on this project.
Access changes
While Wattle Park will stay open during construction, we will need to temporarily close or change access to some facilities, including:
- Access to the trams will be closed, while we plan and complete restoration works.
- Sections of the existing walking track will be closed in stages for resurfacing.
- The Wattle Park car park will temporarily have fewer car spaces available to park your car.
- While we’ll do our best, there will be some noise.
Staying updated
To keep up-to-date with news about this project, sign up for updates.
Related information
- News April 2023: New all-abilities wonderland open at Wattle Park
- News March 2023: Works at Wattle Park nearing completion
- News July 2022: Construction commencing at wonderful Wattle Park
- News February 2022: Concept designs revealed for exciting new facilities coming to Wattle Park
- News October 2021: Playscape and walking track plans are on the move for Wattle Park
- Wattle Park
FAQs
What are you upgrading at Wattle Park?
We’re building a new all-abilities nature playscape, a walking and running track and upgrading the picnic area at Wattle Park so that more people can get active in nature and enjoy the park for years to come.
Why are you upgrading the playground?
Wattle Park is well loved and more than 20 years old. As a result, a lot of the play equipment is deteriorating, and needs replacing. The new playscape will be safe and accessible, will meet visitor expectations, and will be a nature play environment for children and families of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Will Wattle Park be closed during construction?
While the park will stay open during construction, we will need to temporarily close or change access to some facilities while we make these upgrades. All closed areas will be marked by onsite signage and site fencing.
Was the community consulted on the designs for the playscape and running/walking track?
Yes. The designs for the new facilities have been developed in collaboration with the community through two rounds of community consultation in 2020 and 2021. Altogether, we heard from community through over 700 surveys, 500 vision cards and 4 online sessions.
The engagement findings from the consultation, including how they shaped designs, on this project are available on Engage Vic.
How are the upgrades being funded?
The Victorian Government is investing $4.3 million for this project as part of the $315 million Suburban Parks Program and a further $850,000 through the $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program.
When will the upgrades be finished?
Construction of the new facilities is underway, and subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, is expected to be completed in early 2023.
How will the heritage of the area be considered?
Wattle Park is a popular park with significant natural and cultural heritage values. The park is included on the Victorian Heritage Register. As an important part of what makes Wattle Park special, heritage has been considered in the designs. We are also working closely with Heritage Victoria to ensure that the proposed works align with the heritage of the park.
Are any trees being removed?
Up to 17 trees could be removed along the track alignment. Each tree has been assessed for its age, species and value. None of the trees scheduled for removal are recognised on the Heritage Register. One dead tree will be removed in the playscape area. This tree needs to be removed to help reduce the risk of falling limbs on windy days. Altogether, the upgrades represent a net increase in trees and vegetation in the park, with 22 new trees planned to be planted as part of the project.
Will the trams in the park remain?
Yes the trams will remain as they are. There are also tram elements included in the design of the playscape.
Is there going to be more lighting in the park?
Lighting will be provided on a north-south section of the alignment that was identified by community as a regular walking route through the park. Park neighbours expressed safety concerns as there is regular foot traffic from the tram stops at the north of the park to the southern residential area. This lighting does not go through the remnant bushland to the east of the park.
