Project background

Between 1 and 28 June 2026, Council engaged with the local community to gather ideas and feedback on planned upgrades to the play space at Clarke Reserve, Elwood, including a fence to better separate the play space from dogs and other activities in the rest of the reserve.

We presented a draft concept plan for the upgraded play space based on the feedback we received in 2025, and invited further feedback.

What we did

We used a mix of engagement methods to gather feedback from the local community, including:

• an online and hard‑copy survey
• pop-up conversations on site at Clarke Reserve
• contacting local properties, installing signage at the play space and promoting the opportunity for feedback via Council newsletters, social media and stakeholder networks.

We asked community members:

• how they felt about the draft concept plan
• what they liked
• whether they had concerns with the draft concept plan, and how they would solve them.

What did we hear?

How people feel about the draft concept plan

Of the participants who shared their level of support, more than half said they like or really like it. Less than a quarter said they don't like it or really don't like it.

Feedback on fencing

Proposed fencing was the most commonly raised topic in people's comments. We heard a mix of preferences for fencing. Most people either supported fencing around the play space or preferred fencing a smaller area.

What people like

Things we heard people liked were:

• fencing and separation of dogs and other users
• safety and security
• variety of play opportunities
• shade and shelter
• landscaping and natural elements
• seating and family amenities

Concerns with the draft concept plan

Things people raised in comments about their concerns were:

• fencing and separation of dogs and other users
• features for adults and the broader community
• specific play equipment or opportunities
• materials and design character
• seating, picnic and gathering spaces
• landscaping, vegetation and biodiversity.

What happens next?

We have refined the draft concept plan with consideration for the feedback we received and for technical, operational, budget and project requirements. The final concept plan is now completed and available to view.

What's changing based on community feedback

We've made some changes to the concept plan based on the feedback we received.

Smaller fenced area

While there was broad support for a fence around the play space, many participants preferred a smaller fenced area. In response, we've reduced the size of the fenced area in the final concept plan. This means more of the reserve will remain as open space.

More natural materials

To create a more natural play environment and better reflect the character of Clarke Reserve, we've added more wooden elements and play features to the plan, like feature totems and logs. We've also included landscaping to reduce the visual image of the fence around the play space.

Play for different ages

A second slide has been added to the multi-age play structure. One slide will be higher and one will be lower, providing play opportunities for children of different ages. We've also enhanced the ground level play opportunities through the addition of a variety of interactive play panels, creating more inclusive and engaging play experiences for younger children.

Extra seating

We received several requests for more seating. We've added an extra seat with back and arm rests so that more parents, carers and other reserve users can supervise children or enjoy the space.

Final concept plan

Our concept plan for the upgrades has now been finalised and is available to view below. You can also view the full final concept plan document for a higher-quality copy.

Thanks to everyone who shared their initial ideas or gave feedback on our draft concept plan.