City invites feedback on draft plan for new Garden Gully Reserve Playspace

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo has developed a draft plan for the development of an exciting new suburban level playspace at Garden Gully Reserve and is now seeking community feedback.

The draft playspace plan includes:

  • A new public toilet and a shelter with a BBQ
  • Shade trees, seating, irrigated lawn areas, and planted garden beds
  • Paths to connect the playspace to the Ironbark Gully Trail, Ashley Street, and to the existing hockey ground
  • Colourful concrete play tunnels and an all-abilities carousel
  • A big swing unit with a basket swing, a standard seat and a toddler seat
  • A play tower for climbing and sliding
  • Spring rockers, weave poles, colourful steppers, balance boulders; and,
  • Bike hoops and a drinking fountain with a dog bowl

City of Greater Bendigo Parks and Open Space Manager Chris Mitchell said in 2024 the City of Greater Bendigo updated the existing masterplan which was developed in 2004 to incorporate new public toilets, construction of a new suburban level playspace and the provision of improved paths and linkages to the Ironbark Gully Trail.

“The new playspace and new public toilets are both key projects of the updated Masterplan and will be constructed in a safer and more accessible location west of the existing hockey ground,” Mr Mitchell said.

“When the masterplan was up-dated the community were informed that there would be a separate community engagement process for the design of the playspace.

“The City now wants to know what the community likes about the draft design, what they don’t like and what colours they would like to see in the new playspace.

“Things that cannot change in the draft plan include the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) accessible footpath alignment, the location of the shelter and toilet block, the 10metre buffer from the existing hockey fencing and the extent of the playspace footprint.

“The existing neighbourhood level playspace will remain in operation until construction of the new playspace is completed in 2027.  Following construction of the new playspace the existing playspace will be dismantled and removed.”

Residents can provide their feedback on the draft plan by visiting the City’s Let’s Talk Community Engagement website by Friday May 16, 2025.

To provide feedback, visit: