Over six weeks in June and July 2024 we asked the community for their feedback on a draft design concept to renew and refresh the Birrarung Marr Playground.

The playground is over 20 years old. To make sure the space can continue to be an attractive destination for years to come, we’re required to renew some of the play equipment. When we renew the play equipment, we will also ensure the space is accessible, safe and inclusive for all users.

The concept design proposes to:

• Improve sight lines across the playground.
• Incorporate nature play elements to connect to Country.
• Improve ongoing maintenance issues within an aging playground.
• Align the playground with current play and accessibility standards.

The engagement period ran between 21 June and 4 August 2024.

Three pop ups were held across the CBD, at narrm ngarrgu Library, Federation Square and at the playground.

Postcards with the draft concept design, as well as a kid's activity on the back were circulated at community pop ups and throughout libraries across the municipality.

There was an online survey on Participate Melbourne that asked the community to provide their feedback on the design. There was also a colouring competition that invited kids to draw the habitat of local native critters from around the area of the park.

Most participants support the proposed upgrades and believe these changes will increase their likelihood of visiting the playground more frequently.

The community values the playground's location and environment, and they seek improvements which maintain these qualities while improving safety and inclusivity.

Most survey respondents told us they had visited the playground before and that the main appeal of the park is its location.

The community survey for the Birrarung Marr Playground renewal reveals a strong desire for improvements that are safe, accessible, and improve the overall user experience.

Respondents emphasised the need for:

• Better and safer play equipment, with 61.9 per cent identifying this as a key improvement.
• Additional seating options (50 per cent) with varied heights to accommodate different needs.
• Increased accessibility (38.1 per cent) to make the playground more inclusive.

The community also requested:

• the inclusion of natural elements
• more range of equipment to challenge and engage different aged children
• inclusive design.

The information received from this consultation displays strong support for the draft concept design.

Council will consider the community’s feedback to finalise the design.

A final design will be shared with the community in early 2025.

Construction of the playground is scheduled for 2025.

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