Mount Victoria Playspace and Court Upgrades

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picture of mount victoria park in the blue mountains

Update 20 December 2025

Community consultation responses

Thank you to all who participated in our community survey and provided feedback on the first draft of the Mt Victoria Memorial Park tennis court designs and playspace upgrade, which will see the existing tennis court transformed into a Multi-Use Games Area, offering a flexible space for tennis, basketball, netball, pickle ball and more.

The upgrade will include:

  • A new accessible path from the car park to the playspace and the multi-use court.
  • An upgraded court surface for a variety of games, plus a new tennis net, basketball hoop and netball ring.
  • Replacement fencing around the court.
  • Structural updates to the embankments near the court.
  • A new sitting wall at the court where the embankment will be changed.
  • Retention of the large existing cedar tree on the highway side of the court. This includes bringing the sitting wall into the court by two metres to give the tree ample room to grow.
  • Improved drainage of the courts.
  • A connection to the nearby Great Western Highway path will also occur if budget permits.

These upgrades are designed to make the space more inclusive, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone and to ensure long term stability of the embankments.

The community’s response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 70% of respondents reporting a very positive or positive response to the plans.

Some questions were also raised, which are addressed below.

What is the scope of the project, and can you clarify what can and can’t be included?

Council received suggestions for inclusions to the playspace upgrade such as exercise equipment, covered picnic and barbeque areas, additional seating, water features, a bouldering wall and a skate park. The Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program which funded this project, is specific about what the funds are to be spent on; that is, to upgrade the court and playspace only. Inclusions additional to this are outside the scope of the funding.

There is also interest in creating a bounce wall, and if funding allows it will be included on one edge of the tennis court.

There was a request for big high swings, however, the taller the swings, the larger the area of softfall required. Council will seek to balance height of swings with number of items that can be fitted into the existing footprint of the playspace.

If there is a strong community demand for any additional item not included in the scope, Council may explore seeking a separate Grant.

Will the upgrade cater for over 50s?

The tennis court upgrade includes a pickle ball court. Pickle ball is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia, especially with over 50s. While funding does not extend to a boules court, informal boules can also be played on the lawn areas.

Have older kids and teenagers been adequately catered for?

The upgrade of the tennis court into a multi-use games courts including netball, pickleball and basketball half courts is designed to appeal to older children and teenagers. There is also interest in creating a bounce wall, and if funding allows it will be included on one edge of the tennis court.

Will there be a separate basketball court?

The tennis court is not wide enough to accommodate a full basketball court, and the construction of a new court would be challenging (given the slope of the site) and outside the scope of the funding.

Will there be shade sails?

Due to the cost and maintenance requirements, this is not possible (Council generally provides shade sails at larger, district parks in the hottest parts of the mountains).

Will you be creating a fenced dog off-leash area?

There are currently 14 off-leash areas across our Local Government Area (including two at Blackheath), which is currently assessed as an adequate number. This position will be reviewed in 2025, and the possibility of new off-leash areas will be considered.

Is the bubbler being removed?

The bubbler is only being removed temporarily as the path, where the bubbler is currently located, needs to be rebuilt. It will be replaced close by.

Can you tell me about the style of the playspace?

The design of the playspace will use natural colours with bright highlights. This is designed to strike a balance between drawing attention to the playspace from Station Street and having a suitable character.

Will Australian native plants be used in the landscaping? Will the old cages and flower beds remain?

Given the heritage style of the park and recent community plantings, Council is considering a mix for the proposed planting areas. The cages and flower beds also have heritage value, and some people find them interesting, so they will remain. Some people have also asked what is happening about the bulbs and plants that were planted on the slope. This area is currently still being explored. However, if this area becomes turfed, the plantings will be relocated to an adjacent garden bed.

Practical considerations such as the need for drainage on court were also raised. This drainage has been included in the design.

Will the Clubhouse and Courts be locked at night?

The Clubhouse is currently locked at night and no change is proposed. Courts are currently not locked with little or no issues known. The resources required to lock and unlock the courts daily is not currently justified but could be investigated if necessary.

Why are the tennis court lights being removed?

The current tennis court lights are old, and do not meet standards for safe play, and will need to be removed to allow the reconstruction of the courts. Replacing these lights with new LED lighting would incur significant cost. This is because any new LED lighting to be installed is required to meet the required 500lux standard, and this is a particularly high-cost item.

New floodlighting would also attract a fee for the use of the courts to cover electricity costs and maintenance of the fittings. To install replacement lights as part of this project would require significant reduction in the funding for the play elements. Feedback to date has indicated that play is overall more important to the community than lighting.

However, Council has heard the community’s desire for night use of the courts and will explore alternative funding grants for court lighting. We will keep the community updated on the progress of this endeavour.

The next phase of this project will see Council share plans for the redesign of the playspace. We anticipate these plans will be shared early 2025 and we will email you as soon as they are available.

If you have further questions or comments please feel free to contact Elizabeth Dudley-Bestow. Principal Landscape Architect via email at edudleybestow@bmcc.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 4780 5000.

Update 18 November 2024

Consultation now closed (18 November to 18 December)

We’re excited to present the first draft designs for the Mt Victoria Memorial Park tennis court and playspace upgrade, a project made possible through a $1million grant from the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

The first phase of Community consultation – where Council asked the community to share their wants and needs for the courts and playspace – was completed in June 2024.

This first round of Consultation was conducted through a combination of face-to-face onsite meetings with user groups; online and hard copy surveys. These surveys have been promoted and broadcast in local media including newspaper and radio, and Council channels including website and social media.

You can download the consultation results report at the top right of this page, however at a glance, the consultation revealed:

  • The majority of participants use the park at least weekly.
  • The majority of users attend the park for children’s play.
  • The tennis courts are well used and there is support for an upgrade of the courts.
  • There is support for a multi-use court that includes tennis, basketball, pickleball and handball.
  • Upgrading play equipment is the most popular choice for inclusion in the upgrade. When choosing new children’s playspace equipment, a strong preference was shown for climbing equipment and swings.
  • There is a desire for the inclusion of games such as chess.
  • There is also support for the park upgrade to include native animal themed play equipment, animal artwork or animal educational signage, however the proposed references to the location’s history as a zoo is not generally supported.

Council has also conducted background studies during this time, that have identified the need to re-work the embankments around the court. Council has incorporated that into the scope of works and the draft designs show one way that safer embankments can be achieved.

Based on the studies and community feedback, we have begun the design process, and we are seeking input into the draft designs for the courts and accessible connections.

Tennis Court and Accessible Path Upgrade

The existing tennis court will be transformed into a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), offering a flexible space for tennis, basketball, netball, and more.

Key features of the upgrade include:

  • New accessible path from the car park connecting to both the play space and the multi-use court.
  • Upgraded court surface for a variety of games with new tennis net, basketball hoop, netball ring.
  • Replacement fencing around the court.
  • Structural updates to the embankments.
  • Seating wall at the court where the embankment will be changed.
  • Retention of the large existing cedar tree on the highway side of the court, bringing a sitting wall into the court by two metres to give it room to grow.
  • Improved drainage of the courts.
  • A connection to the nearby Great Western Highway path will also occur if budget permits.

These upgrades are designed to make the space more inclusive, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone and to ensure long term stability of the embankments. Due to the anticipated costs, the existing lighting will be removed.

Coming soon Playspace Upgrade draft designs...

We’re also working on a redesign of the play space, which will be shared with the community in early 2025.
The play area’s improvements will depend on remaining budget, however Council is considering the following inclusions:

  • A new slide potentially using the slope
  • A replacement swing set, including a nest swing and baby swing
  • A replacement climbing and balancing course
  • A spinning play item
  • Sensory play elements and nature play features
  • Play elements inspired by native animal themes
  • Wheelchair access to key play features and seating
  • New paved area with picnic benches near the play space
  • Animal sculptures around the park for general play, and to encourage exploration and longer stays in the park

We want to hear from you!
Please take a moment to complete the survey below and share your thoughts on these exciting plans.

CLICK TOP RIGHT TO SUBSCRIBE AND RECEIVE UPDATES ON THIS PROJECT

Update 20 June 2024

Council is undertaking a project to upgrade the playspace and courts at Mount Victoria Memorial Park.

Your input is vital as we plan the exciting upgrade.

Scheduled to commence construction in April 2025, the upgrade will encompass play options, accessible pathways and an upgrade to the tennis courts.

Through the Have Your Say survey, you can tell us what is important to you, and what you would like included in the playspace and courts.

Made possible through a grant from the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program, the project is designed to improve the parks play and sport offerings for locals, and promote local tourism by encouraging travellers passing through Mount Victoria to stop and enjoy the park.

The upgrade will also see the rebuilding of three significant retaining walls within the park, work which has been deemed as necessary in a recent Geotech report Council has received.

The project builds upon the success of recent works in Mount Victoria, including the Mount Victoria Village Recovery Package, which has revitalised various aspects of the village.

We encourage the whole community, in particular Mount Victoria residents, to participate in the Have Your Say survey, as it will give us valuable insights into the project's development.

Following this Have Your Say, Council will present draft designs for further community feedback, ensuring that the final project reflects your wants and needs.

Survey closes 17 June 2024.

Update 20 December 2025

Community consultation responses

Thank you to all who participated in our community survey and provided feedback on the first draft of the Mt Victoria Memorial Park tennis court designs and playspace upgrade, which will see the existing tennis court transformed into a Multi-Use Games Area, offering a flexible space for tennis, basketball, netball, pickle ball and more.

The upgrade will include:

  • A new accessible path from the car park to the playspace and the multi-use court.
  • An upgraded court surface for a variety of games, plus a new tennis net, basketball hoop and netball ring.
  • Replacement fencing around the court.
  • Structural updates to the embankments near the court.
  • A new sitting wall at the court where the embankment will be changed.
  • Retention of the large existing cedar tree on the highway side of the court. This includes bringing the sitting wall into the court by two metres to give the tree ample room to grow.
  • Improved drainage of the courts.
  • A connection to the nearby Great Western Highway path will also occur if budget permits.

These upgrades are designed to make the space more inclusive, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone and to ensure long term stability of the embankments.

The community’s response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 70% of respondents reporting a very positive or positive response to the plans.

Some questions were also raised, which are addressed below.

What is the scope of the project, and can you clarify what can and can’t be included?

Council received suggestions for inclusions to the playspace upgrade such as exercise equipment, covered picnic and barbeque areas, additional seating, water features, a bouldering wall and a skate park. The Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program which funded this project, is specific about what the funds are to be spent on; that is, to upgrade the court and playspace only. Inclusions additional to this are outside the scope of the funding.

There is also interest in creating a bounce wall, and if funding allows it will be included on one edge of the tennis court.

There was a request for big high swings, however, the taller the swings, the larger the area of softfall required. Council will seek to balance height of swings with number of items that can be fitted into the existing footprint of the playspace.

If there is a strong community demand for any additional item not included in the scope, Council may explore seeking a separate Grant.

Will the upgrade cater for over 50s?

The tennis court upgrade includes a pickle ball court. Pickle ball is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia, especially with over 50s. While funding does not extend to a boules court, informal boules can also be played on the lawn areas.

Have older kids and teenagers been adequately catered for?

The upgrade of the tennis court into a multi-use games courts including netball, pickleball and basketball half courts is designed to appeal to older children and teenagers. There is also interest in creating a bounce wall, and if funding allows it will be included on one edge of the tennis court.

Will there be a separate basketball court?

The tennis court is not wide enough to accommodate a full basketball court, and the construction of a new court would be challenging (given the slope of the site) and outside the scope of the funding.

Will there be shade sails?

Due to the cost and maintenance requirements, this is not possible (Council generally provides shade sails at larger, district parks in the hottest parts of the mountains).

Will you be creating a fenced dog off-leash area?

There are currently 14 off-leash areas across our Local Government Area (including two at Blackheath), which is currently assessed as an adequate number. This position will be reviewed in 2025, and the possibility of new off-leash areas will be considered.

Is the bubbler being removed?

The bubbler is only being removed temporarily as the path, where the bubbler is currently located, needs to be rebuilt. It will be replaced close by.

Can you tell me about the style of the playspace?

The design of the playspace will use natural colours with bright highlights. This is designed to strike a balance between drawing attention to the playspace from Station Street and having a suitable character.

Will Australian native plants be used in the landscaping? Will the old cages and flower beds remain?

Given the heritage style of the park and recent community plantings, Council is considering a mix for the proposed planting areas. The cages and flower beds also have heritage value, and some people find them interesting, so they will remain. Some people have also asked what is happening about the bulbs and plants that were planted on the slope. This area is currently still being explored. However, if this area becomes turfed, the plantings will be relocated to an adjacent garden bed.

Practical considerations such as the need for drainage on court were also raised. This drainage has been included in the design.

Will the Clubhouse and Courts be locked at night?

The Clubhouse is currently locked at night and no change is proposed. Courts are currently not locked with little or no issues known. The resources required to lock and unlock the courts daily is not currently justified but could be investigated if necessary.

Why are the tennis court lights being removed?

The current tennis court lights are old, and do not meet standards for safe play, and will need to be removed to allow the reconstruction of the courts. Replacing these lights with new LED lighting would incur significant cost. This is because any new LED lighting to be installed is required to meet the required 500lux standard, and this is a particularly high-cost item.

New floodlighting would also attract a fee for the use of the courts to cover electricity costs and maintenance of the fittings. To install replacement lights as part of this project would require significant reduction in the funding for the play elements. Feedback to date has indicated that play is overall more important to the community than lighting.

However, Council has heard the community’s desire for night use of the courts and will explore alternative funding grants for court lighting. We will keep the community updated on the progress of this endeavour.

The next phase of this project will see Council share plans for the redesign of the playspace. We anticipate these plans will be shared early 2025 and we will email you as soon as they are available.

If you have further questions or comments please feel free to contact Elizabeth Dudley-Bestow. Principal Landscape Architect via email at edudleybestow@bmcc.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 4780 5000.

Update 18 November 2024

Consultation now closed (18 November to 18 December)

We’re excited to present the first draft designs for the Mt Victoria Memorial Park tennis court and playspace upgrade, a project made possible through a $1million grant from the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

The first phase of Community consultation – where Council asked the community to share their wants and needs for the courts and playspace – was completed in June 2024.

This first round of Consultation was conducted through a combination of face-to-face onsite meetings with user groups; online and hard copy surveys. These surveys have been promoted and broadcast in local media including newspaper and radio, and Council channels including website and social media.

You can download the consultation results report at the top right of this page, however at a glance, the consultation revealed:

  • The majority of participants use the park at least weekly.
  • The majority of users attend the park for children’s play.
  • The tennis courts are well used and there is support for an upgrade of the courts.
  • There is support for a multi-use court that includes tennis, basketball, pickleball and handball.
  • Upgrading play equipment is the most popular choice for inclusion in the upgrade. When choosing new children’s playspace equipment, a strong preference was shown for climbing equipment and swings.
  • There is a desire for the inclusion of games such as chess.
  • There is also support for the park upgrade to include native animal themed play equipment, animal artwork or animal educational signage, however the proposed references to the location’s history as a zoo is not generally supported.

Council has also conducted background studies during this time, that have identified the need to re-work the embankments around the court. Council has incorporated that into the scope of works and the draft designs show one way that safer embankments can be achieved.

Based on the studies and community feedback, we have begun the design process, and we are seeking input into the draft designs for the courts and accessible connections.

Tennis Court and Accessible Path Upgrade

The existing tennis court will be transformed into a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), offering a flexible space for tennis, basketball, netball, and more.

Key features of the upgrade include:

  • New accessible path from the car park connecting to both the play space and the multi-use court.
  • Upgraded court surface for a variety of games with new tennis net, basketball hoop, netball ring.
  • Replacement fencing around the court.
  • Structural updates to the embankments.
  • Seating wall at the court where the embankment will be changed.
  • Retention of the large existing cedar tree on the highway side of the court, bringing a sitting wall into the court by two metres to give it room to grow.
  • Improved drainage of the courts.
  • A connection to the nearby Great Western Highway path will also occur if budget permits.

These upgrades are designed to make the space more inclusive, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone and to ensure long term stability of the embankments. Due to the anticipated costs, the existing lighting will be removed.

Coming soon Playspace Upgrade draft designs...

We’re also working on a redesign of the play space, which will be shared with the community in early 2025.
The play area’s improvements will depend on remaining budget, however Council is considering the following inclusions:

  • A new slide potentially using the slope
  • A replacement swing set, including a nest swing and baby swing
  • A replacement climbing and balancing course
  • A spinning play item
  • Sensory play elements and nature play features
  • Play elements inspired by native animal themes
  • Wheelchair access to key play features and seating
  • New paved area with picnic benches near the play space
  • Animal sculptures around the park for general play, and to encourage exploration and longer stays in the park

We want to hear from you!
Please take a moment to complete the survey below and share your thoughts on these exciting plans.

CLICK TOP RIGHT TO SUBSCRIBE AND RECEIVE UPDATES ON THIS PROJECT

Update 20 June 2024

Council is undertaking a project to upgrade the playspace and courts at Mount Victoria Memorial Park.

Your input is vital as we plan the exciting upgrade.

Scheduled to commence construction in April 2025, the upgrade will encompass play options, accessible pathways and an upgrade to the tennis courts.

Through the Have Your Say survey, you can tell us what is important to you, and what you would like included in the playspace and courts.

Made possible through a grant from the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program, the project is designed to improve the parks play and sport offerings for locals, and promote local tourism by encouraging travellers passing through Mount Victoria to stop and enjoy the park.

The upgrade will also see the rebuilding of three significant retaining walls within the park, work which has been deemed as necessary in a recent Geotech report Council has received.

The project builds upon the success of recent works in Mount Victoria, including the Mount Victoria Village Recovery Package, which has revitalised various aspects of the village.

We encourage the whole community, in particular Mount Victoria residents, to participate in the Have Your Say survey, as it will give us valuable insights into the project's development.

Following this Have Your Say, Council will present draft designs for further community feedback, ensuring that the final project reflects your wants and needs.

Survey closes 17 June 2024.

Page last updated: 20 Jan 2025, 09:29 AM