Communities across Melbourne will soon enjoy improved accessibility and a better visitor experience at their favourite parks, with works to deliver new and upgraded facilities at 21 urban parks now underway. 

The works will see improvements to parks spanning from Point Cook to the Mornington Peninsula, and will include upgrades such as new and refurbished picnic shelters and tables, playground equipment, barbecues, signage and toilets, wider and more accessible pathways, and car park and trail repairs. 

Parks and reserves play an important role in boosting the health and wellbeing of local communities across Victoria. Over recent years we’ve seen a significant increase in visitation at many of Melbourne’s parks, highlighting how important it is to maintain the quality of these spaces – whether for exercise, recreation or spending time with loved ones.

The upgrades will support the health and wellbeing of urban communities by providing more opportunities for Melburnians to get active outdoors, spend time with friends and family and connect with nature. 

Pictured above: Improved design of park facilities, including pathways and trails, will provide better accessibility at parks for people of all ages and abilities.

Repairs to the seawall at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park have also started, which once complete will ensure the seawall and promenade are preserved for visitors to enjoy for years to come.  

Many years of erosion from wind and waves have resulted in significant scouring behind the seawall, and its bluestone blocks being dislodged. Following geotechnical and structural investigations in 2021, consultants SMEC completed detailed specification work, which will be used to guide the repair works.

A missing link in the Bay Trail at Point Cook will also be constructed to provide a faster, safer, off-road journey for pedestrians and cyclists travelling from Williamstown to Point Cook Coastal Park.

The new section of trail will be an elevated boardwalk-style path, designed in consideration for the surrounding Cheetham Wetlands. It will reduce a 3.8km detour down to just over 400 metres, which will include approximately 260 metres of shared-use path delivered by Parks Victoria, and approximately 155 metres delivered by developer Aveo. Construction on the Bay Trail is expected to start in early 2023.

Pictured above: The seawall at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park has been damaged after years of erosion from wind and waves. The Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program will deliver important repairs to make sure the wall and promenade are preserved for years to come. 

The upgrades are being rolled out in stages as part of the Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program. 

These works follow the completion of upgrades at Braeside Park, Cardinia Reservoir Park and Greenvale Reservoir Park, and the delivery of new picnic tables made from recycled plastic to 17 parks, in early 2022. 

Subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, and environmental and cultural heritage assessments, works for the program are expected to be completed in late 2023. 

For more information and project updates, visit the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program page.

Pictured above: A missing link in the Bay Trail will be constructed, to provide a faster, safer, off-road journey for pedestrians and cyclists travelling from Williamstown to Point Cook Coastal Park.