We are rebuilding this play space

We are upgrading the play space at Charles Mutton Reserve, Fawkner. Two rounds of consultation have been completed in relation to changes to the Charles Mutton Reserve Precinct Plan 2018 and the draft design for the play space.

Final Design

Below is the final plan for Charles Mutton Reserve play space based on the feedback we have received from the Conversations Merri-bek responses and a site consultation meeting held on 9th April 2022. You can download a high resolution labelled drawing from the Document Library in the righthand column.

We have taken into consideration the feedback we have received and have provided the following in response;

Shade: the replacement play tower was selected for it’s extensive built shade. It provides two large roof sections of 9m2 each as well as a significant area of ‘undercroft’ play space. 8 new advanced shade trees are included in the design in strategic locations to allow for respite from the mid-day sun. A large picnic shelter will be included in the facilities adjacent the tennis club.

Shared Path: The design now extends west of the shared path to provide parents with seating and picnic facilities. Concerns about clashes with cyclists on the shared path have been address by proposing ground signage, ‘rumble strips’ and coloured treatment to the path to priorities pedestrians. Realignment of the shared path was deemed cost prohibitive.

New Equipment: A new play tower will be provided to replace the existing dilapidated tower. A ‘clatter bridge’ has been included in this tower in response to the popularity of this element in the previous tower. The existing swings, rocker and seesaw will be retained and refurbished with new rubber matting below the swings. The softfall area is to be reduced by the creation of garden beds and planted gravel areas. The height difference to the shared path will be addressed with log and rock edging that will double as seating and balance/play elements. Further nature play items have been included through the play space.

Carpark: The carpark is to be screened by dense planting and climbers to the fence. Fencing will be extended into the play space to prevent children from running directly into the carpark. A gravel path will be provided to the edge of the carpark to allow safe access to vehicles. The fence to the oval side will be replaced with wire mesh fencing to prevent balls and dogs entering the play space. A gate will be installed to allow access onto the oval.

Mural: A mural by a local artist will be commissioned in consultation with Council's Public Art team to adorn the blank brick face of the adjacent tennis club building.

Climbing: In addition to the climbing elements within the new play tower, the adjacent blank brick wall of the tennis club will be utilised as a low climbing wall for young children with a softfall rubber base. This will be subject to a structural engineering assessment and approval.