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The St Kilda Botanical Gardens play space was built in 1995 and has become a distinctive and much-loved part of the gardens. The play space includes a heritage rotunda and artwork, steel play structures and open spaces that all contribute to its unique identity.

After more than 30 years, the play space is ready for renewal, providing an opportunity to improve safety and accessibility while creating new and engaging play experiences.

In December 2025, we asked the community what they value most about the play space and what improvements they would like to see. We heard strong support for retaining the play space's unique character, connection to nature, heritage features and opportunities for imaginative play. We also heard requests for more climbing opportunities, improved accessibility, nature play, seating, shade and play opportunities for a wider range of ages and abilities.

Using this feedback, along with input from local school students and key stakeholders, we've developed a draft concept design. Now we'd like to know whether we've got it right.

The draft concept retains valued features such as the heritage rotunda, steel jungle gym, rocket climbers, artworks and the overall character of the play space, while introducing new opportunities for climbing, accessibility, sensory play and imaginative play. New landscaping and planting will further integrate the play space with the surrounding gardens and create more opportunities for children to play and explore in nature.

The upgrade aims to renew and improve the play space while preserving the qualities that make it unique. We want to know whether the draft concept design achieves this balance and what refinements should be considered before detailed design begins.

To find out how you can share your feedback online or in person, head back to the main project page. Feedback closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 2 December 2026.