Visitors to Wattle Park can now see what the park is expected to look like in 2022, with the concept designs for a new playscape, running and walking track, and picnic area upgrades now available. 

Parks Victoria undertook two rounds of consultation to develop the designs for the playscape and running track, taking onboard community feedback on what was wanted from the new facilities. 

Young adventurers will be entertained for hours on the new nature-based, all-abilities playscape that features swings, spinners, water play, a sensory garden and a double-story tram fort which maintains the legacy of the tram history at the park. 

Runners and walkers will enjoy a purpose-built 3.25km track featuring natural forest and undulating hill terrain – an experience which is unique for this area of Melbourne and is sure to attract visitors from all over Melbourne. The existing walking tracks within the park will also be upgraded with resurfacing and improved connections to make up the complete track.

The picnic area upgrades at Wattle Park include adding new barbecues, picnic shelters and tables, and Monsborough Drive will receive road and carpark improvements. 

Wattle Park is a much-loved park with significant natural and cultural heritage located on Wurundjeri Country and these new facilities will provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to soak up the health benefits of being outdoors, getting active and connecting with nature. 

The Victorian Government is investing $4.3 million to deliver these upgrades as part of the $154 million Suburban Parks Program, which is creating more than 6,500 hectares of new and upgraded parks and trails across greater Melbourne. 

Parks Victoria has also started work to develop a Master Plan for Wattle Park. The first round of community consultation for the plan was completed in December, where Parks Victoria sought input from the community on their ideas about environment and conservation, historic heritage and visitor experience at the park. Construction on the new facilities at Wattle Park is expected to commence in Autumn 2022. 

The full concept designs and findings from the community consultation for this project are available at engage.vic.gov.au/wattle-park-upgrades 

For more information about Parks Victoria's projects, visit our projects page.

These images are artist impressions of what the playscape is expected to look like, and are subject to change pending the approval of a permit from Heritage Victoria.