By Parker McKenzie
The Tim Neville Arboretum is getting a makeover with a new playspace within the reserve, and Knox City Council is asking for feedback from the local community before finalising the plans.
Constructed in 1988 as the major project for the City of Knox’s Bicentenary, the 11-acre reserve was renamed the Tim Neville Arboretum after the Local Government Area’s long-serving Chief Executive.
Knox City Council said the Arboretum is a popular and multipurpose reserve in Ferntree Gully.
“We are improving the playspace within the reserve to ensure it meets the needs of the community now and into the future,” the council said.
“Thank you to all participants who provided feedback during the first round of community consultation about what you’d like to see included in the new playspace design.”
Some of the features being proposed for the new playspace include a dragon themed water play area, a new sandpit with water features, a large slide, a quad bay swing set, a new drawbridge, multiple interactive play activities and additional picnic seating.
Knox City Council said it is dedicated to creating “an all-inclusive playspace where all children, no matter their ability, age, cultural and social background, can play together side-by-side and where parents, grandparents and carers feel welcome too.”
“Following the motto of ‘Can I get there?’ ‘Can I play?’ and ‘Can I stay?’ the proposed design addresses these considerations, aiming to make the playspace accessible at all times from arrival at the carpark, accessing play equipment to using the public facilities.” the council said.
The reserve also features a lake and wetlands system, boardwalk crossings, picnic tables, BBQs, gazebos, an amphitheatre and Knox’s war memorial.
To share feedback on the plans, residents can attend a drop-in session, complete an online survey or contact the council using email or mail.
Two drop-in sessions will be held at the Playground (98 Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully) on:
Friday 12 May, 2.30pm to 4pm and Saturday 13 May, 9.30am to 11am.
More information and the interactive map of the playspace concept design can be found at haveyoursay.knox.vic.gov.au/tim-neville-playspace-upgrade
