We're planning a major upgrade of the play space at St Kilda Botanical Gardens. The play space is a much-loved community destination serving families for more than 30 years. We've developed a draft concept design using ideas from community members. We're now asking for your feedback to help us finalise the design.
The project
About the play space
The St Kilda Botanical Gardens play space was constructed in 1995. It is located in the south-east corner of the gardens near the intersection of Tennyson Street and Dickens Street, Elwood.
Set within a spacious lawn area, the play space features several steel play structures, alongside heritage features like the rotunda and decorative sculptures. Over the past 30 years it has become a cherished place for many people in our community.
The play space is now ready for a major upgrade. The project will improve safety and accessibility while creating a rich play environment that builds on the botanical theme, keeps the best of what's there now and offers exciting and meaningful play experiences for years to come.
The draft concept design
Our draft concept design has been shaped by ideas from community members in 2025 and workshops with local school children and stakeholders earlier in 2026.
The design includes many new features ranging from traditional play equipment to nature and exploratory play, to creative play. It transforms the lawn areas into a rich, landscaped environment full of growing plants and places to explore. It keeps old favourites like the rotunda, sculptures and rocket climbing frames. Gently wandering pathways have been added to help people move around the space. Gathering spaces provide space for relaxation, group activities and playing in the open.
A snapshot of the design is shown below. View the draft concept design document to find out more.
Artist impressions
Layout
Tap the dots below to see what's proposed for the play space. We've included artist impressions and some photos from other play spaces to show the different kinds of features we're imagining. View the draft concept design document to find out more.
How to share your feedback
We're eager to hear your feedback on the design. You can share your feedback online or speak with us in person. Find out more below.
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What you can influence on this project
Your feedback will help us refine the design and identify any gaps or opportunities for improvement.
We'll consider all feedback alongside technical advice, heritage requirements, accessibility standards, safety requirements and project budget constraints before finalising the design.
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What you can't influence on this project
Some aspects of the project are not open for feedback, including the location of the play space and compliance with safety and accessibility standards.
Come along to a pop-up event and share your ideas with us in person. Sometimes we have to cancel or reschedule a pop-up conversation at short notice due to poor weather – keep an eye on this page for updates.
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Veg Out St Kilda Farmers' Market
9 to 11 am, Saturday 7 November 2026.
Peanut Farm Reserve, Chaucer Street, St Kilda.
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St Kilda Botanical Gardens
10 am to 12 noon, Saturday 21 November 2026.
St Kilda Botanical Gardens, Elwood. Find us near the play space.
