Upgrades to 18 parks
Project status
May 2023
- Works have started at most parks, including Birrarung Park, Braeside Park, Brimbank Park, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Jells Park, Karkarook Park, Mornington Peninsula National Park and Point Cook Coastal Park.
- Works at Albert Park and Yarra Bend Park are expected to start in July and August.
- Stage 2 works at Cardinia Reservoir Park were completed in January 2023.
Note, project scope and timelines for each park can be found via the map below.
The project
This project is being delivered on Bunurong Country and Wurundjeri Country.
The Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program is delivering upgrades to 21 parks across Melbourne, making improvements that will provide people with more opportunities to connect with nature within an urban setting and support the health and wellbeing of local communities.
As part of this project, 18 of Melbourne’s most popular parks will receive new and upgraded visitor facilities, such as barbecues, picnic tables and shelters, toilets, pathways and playgrounds.
Search the map below for an overview on what is planned to be delivered at each park and when. Please note, project scope and timelines are subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, and environmental and cultural heritage assessments, and may change as the project progresses.
Project images
We'll share photos of works happening across the 18 parks as they become available. You can view them via the link below:
Pictured above: New picnic tables have been installed at Jells Park (left) and Birrarung Park (right).
Pictured above: New barbecues and picnic tables have been installed at Brimbank Park.
Project benefits
Visitors
The upgrades completed as part of this project will uplift the visitor experience at 18 parks across Melbourne and will provide more opportunities for active recreation in parks for people of all abilities.
Environment
Improved park facilities will enable visitors to respectfully explore and enjoy our beautiful urban parklands, while minimising disruption to the important landscapes and habitats they provide for many native plants and animals.
Community
Access to open green spaces is one of the many things that makes Melbourne a great place to live, work and play.
This project will improve people’s enjoyment of their local park, encourage socialising, recreation and spending time in nature – which we know is good for health and wellbeing.
Improved design of facilities and pathways will also improve accessibility for people with limited mobility.
Project funding
These works are being delivered through the Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program.
Project timeline
Subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, the timeline for the project is estimated below:
- February 2022: Early works completed at Braeside Park, Cardinia Reservoir Park and Greenvale Reservoir Park (complete)
- Summer 2021/22: New picnic tables arrived at 17 parks (complete)
- Mid 2022: Tender process for works at remaining parks (complete)
- Early 2023: Construction to start on remaining parks (underway)
- Late 2023: Project complete
This timeline will be updated as the project progresses.
Environment and cultural heritage management
The 18 parks receiving upgrades as part of this project have various heritage, cultural heritage and environmental approvals and permit requirements. We are working with the relevant approval bodies and Traditional Owners to obtain the relevant approvals, permits and plans for each park before we start works.
Who are we working with?
- The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
- Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
- Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
- Heritage Victoria
- Melbourne Water
Access changes
During works, we may need to temporarily close or change access to some park facilities, to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff. Before visiting, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for any changed conditions, or call the Parks Victoria Information Centre: 13 1963.
Staying updated
Subscribe for updates or contact the project team at engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call us on 13 1963.
Related information
- March 2023: Project update: Upgrades underway for 21 urban parks
- November 2022: Project update: A better visitor experience for 18 urban parks
- July 2022: Media release: More improvements for Melbourne parks
- March 2022: Media release: Cardinia Reservoir Park welcomes facility upgrades
- March 2022: Media release: New facilities ready for family fun at Braeside Park
- March 2022: Media release: Recycled plastic picnic tables ready for catch ups in our parks
- January 2022: Media release: Greenvale Reservoir Park opens for pedestrians
- October 2021: Media release: Improvement works to kick off at Cardinia Reservoir Park
- Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program
- Seawall repairs at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park
- Bay Trail extension at Point Cook
FAQs
What are the works and when will they be starting in my park?
Upgrades will vary depending on individual park needs, but may include new picnic shelters and tables, refurbished or upgraded toilets, car park repairs, upgraded electric barbecues, replacement of playground equipment, signage upgrades and trail repairs. For details on the works happening at your local park, and expected construction timelines, refer to the map above.
How are you deciding which upgrades happen first?
The timing and sequence of works will depend on a number of factors including technical designs, permit approvals, complexity of works, seasonality, peak visitation times and on-ground conditions such as site access.
Will I still be able to access my local park/trail during works?
Depending on the type of works, some areas of your local park may be unavailable for short periods of time during construction, to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff. For the most up-to-date information on park access and any changes in condition, refer to the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website or call us on 13 1963
Will new toilets be accessible/wheelchair friendly?
A major focus of the project is to make parks more accessible. Where possible, upgraded toilets will be made accessible for people with limited mobility or wheelchairs.
What is the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program?
The Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program is a $21 million project funded by the Victorian Government, delivering upgrades to 21 parks across Melbourne, to ensure they continue to support healthy communities.
What other works are happening as part of the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program?
The Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program is also set to deliver:
- An extension of the iconic Bay Trail at Point Cook, building the missing link between Williamstown and Point Cook Coastal Park to provide a continuous off-road journey for walkers, runners and cyclists.
- Repairs to the seawall at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park, to make the wall and promenade safe for years to come.
- New and refurbished visitor facilities as part of the Wattle Park upgrades project
- New and refurbished visitor facilities as part of the Plenty Gorge Park upgrades project
The program has already delivered:
- Early works were completed at Braeside Park, Greenvale Reservoir Park and Cardinia Reservoir Park in early 2022.
- 17 parks also received new picnic tables made from recycled plastic in March 2022.
How can I stay up-to-date with project progress?
You can subscribe for updates on the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program’s upgrades at 18 parks here.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions or want to learn more about a project, you can call the Parks Victoria team on 13 19 63 or email us at engage@parks.vic.gov.au.
