Springthorpe Playspace Design
About this project
We are preparing concept designs for how the playspace at The Village Common Springthorpe could be improved in the future.
This is part of the City of Darebin’s commitment to improve parks and reserves for the community to enjoy, and as identified in the Playspace Strategy (2010-20).
Some recommendations for the playspace improvements include:
- Minor improvements to the existing playspace area.
- New accessible swings for all ages and all abilities.
- Inclusion of natural play materials.
- An increase in the number of canopy tree plantings.
- Outdoor green gym and exercise equipment.
Location of Playspace
Springthorpe Playspace is located in Macleod, at the corner of Springthorpe Boulevard and Grand Avenue.
What has happened so far?
Council provided an online survey during March 2019 and a drop-in session at the Springthorpe Playspace on Saturday 16 March. Thank you to all of the community members, families and children who shared their ideas about the playspace upgrade.
The community feedback is now being compiled and considered in preparation of a draft concept design. Council will release the concept design for further community input in the coming months.
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The Springthorpe playspace has little usage in its current form as it caters primarily to children in early childhood.
The age demographics of the local area are more characteristic of families with older children and teenagers, and visiting students and staff that are attending local educational facilities (Ivanhoe Grammar University Campus - Year 9, La Trobe University, Charles La Trobe P-12). Updating this playspace is a great opportunity to provide recreation and fitness to this community.
In addition, local Springthorpe residents also have access to the early childhood playspace facilities inside the Springthorpe Country Club directly across the road from the playspace in The Village Common. The playspace inside the Springthorpe Country Club has seating, bbqs, and shade within close proximity of the playspace, and is utilised more frequently by local residents than the playspace in the The Village Common.
Given the needs of the local community, any upgrade to the Springthorpe playspace in The Village Common should focus on achieving increased utilisation of the facilities from residents and visitors to the local area to realise the benefits of the upgrade. This can be through the creation of all-access facilities that cater to a wider age demographic, focusing on play and recreation that promote health and fitness, and inclusion of additional seating, shade, and BBQ facilities.
There is a lack of facilities in the same section of the park that would cater to families with children across a broad age range (bbqs and table seating are located at the opposite end of The Village Common, lack of ball sports facilities). The playspace also discourages attendance through lack of shade and table seating.
There is significant support within the local Springthorpe residents for green gym/workout equipment, recreational basketball/netball facilities, outdoor table tennis, more table seating and shade.
Similar thoughts to others... sand pit, swings, some new paint (red beams are looking faded pink these days) and more shaded areas would be great. Also like the idea of a half court basketball court next to the playground area and/or some soccer nets. I personally don't think we need outdoor gym equipment, local residents already have access to indoor gym facilities.
We would love to see a sandpit, swings & monkey bars included in the design. Open cubby house type spaces are great. Shade sails covering the equipment would provide much needed shade & we prefer natural timber instead of plastic equipment. A half court & basketball ring would be great for older kids. A small scale version of the new Eltham North Playspace would be our ideal design. Definitely need to keep the fence that surrounds the whole Playspace as Springthorpe Blvd is such a busy road, it’s reassuring to know the kids can’t wander off on their own. Can’t wait to see what the council team designs!
We would love to see a large sand pit and water play area. More shade a definite must have. A safer slide, a seesaw and maybe a cubby house. Use of natural materials would definitely suit the environmental setting. I would be very disappointed to see bright coloured plastic play equipment added.
Hi there. We would love a basketball ring for the kids (and folks) to practise with. A half court would be brilliant too. Cheers!