News

Community consultation feedback

21 May 2025

Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback and ideas to inform the draft design for the new playground at Barry Powell Reserve.

Community consultation was held from 11 November to 8 December 2024.

  • online participation activities (survey and ideas wall)
  • flyers posted to surrounding properties
  • notification posters placed in the reserve
  • two community drop-in sessions at the reserve
  • an article in the August 2024 edition of the Greater Dandenong Council News magazine
  • social media posts, including promotion via Youth Services social media channels
  • in-class workshops with primary school students
  • engagement with stakeholders and community groups.

What we heard

We wanted to hear ideas for a theme as well as the types of play equipment and activities you would like to see in the new playground.

A ‘nature-play' theme was the most popular suggestion for the playground.

Other suggested themes included:

  • animals and bugs
  • transport
  • water and ninja
  • pirate / under the sea
  • community village, market and shops
  • outer space
  • castle
  • colours.

The key ideas we heard for the playground were:

Feedback that was not related to the playground area has been passed on to the relevant departments.

We also heard ideas and suggestions which were not able to be considered within the scope of this project.

The way forward

As a result of what you told us, and the high cost of delivering a separate district-level playground at the reserve, we determined that the best outcome for the community would be to expand the area of the new East playground which is currently under construction.

The theme for the new East playground is 'nature-play'. It will include stone and rock features, trees and plants, and other natural elements integrated into the play space. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in nature whilst they explore the gardens and trails that lead around the playground.

The East playground currently under construction will include:

  • flying fox
  • multiple swings
  • basket swing
  • tree house and rope course
  • rotating carousel
  • trees, garden beds, and paths
  • seats, picnic and BBQ facilities.

As a separate future project, the East playground will be expanded to include play elements and activities that were suggested as part of this consultation.

This will create a single destination playground at Barry Powell Reserve for the community to enjoy.

Next steps

A draft concept plan for the expanded playground area will be developed based on the feedback and it will be shared with you later this year.

We will then seek support and funding for these capital works projects through Council’s annual budget process.