Mount Victoria Playspace and Court Upgrades

Update 18 November 2024

Next round of consultation open 18 November to 18 December
Share your feedback on the draft court designs - SURVEY BELOW

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.