Ruffey Lake Park Landscape Masterplan

We’re developing an interactive tree walk to promote environmental education and appreciation.

This multi-year project, which is part of the Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan, will enhance the park’s natural beauty and provide an educational tour of trees in Manningham.

Stage one works are running in the space adjacent to Victoria St Playground from mid-May to mid-June 2025. This stage will involve pruning and removing non-indigenous vegetation, woody weeds and trees in poor condition. This will allow space to plant new trees.

In response to removing low-quality trees, we will plant 10 new trees for every one removed. This replanting effort is on top of our ongoing tree planting program, which has been underway for the past three years.

We will then focus on preparing the soil from June to November 2025 (stage two).

Stage three will commence in May 2026, with planting additional trees.

We encourage you to visit other stunning parts of Ruffey Lake Park during this time.

Works will commence mid-February to construct a new challenging path between the creek circuit and Cricklewood Drive that with have 100 rock steps to provide a great workout and spectacular views across the valley. Don’t worry there will be several seating areas for a rest on the way! Works are expected to take 3 months and should not impact other park activities.

Starting in October 2024 and continuing through 2025, we’ll be enhancing the pathways around Ruffey Lake Park. These works aim to improve accessibility and connectivity, creating a better experience for park users.

Works will be carried out in stages through 2025, and will include:

King Street pedestrian bridge

We’re building a new bridge across Ruffey Creek to provide a safe and accessible all-weather connection for pedestrians. The bridge will offer an alternative to the existing narrow footpath along King Street.

These works will begin later this month and are expected to be completed in December. This schedule is subject to weather conditions.

King Street underpass widening

We’re widening the existing path under the King Street pedestrian bridge. The upgraded 2.5 metre wide shared path will support pedestrians and cyclists travelling through the area.

These works are scheduled to begin in 2025.

Quarry pedestrian bridge

We’re building a new bridge at the Quarry to provide a safe and accessible path for pedestrians. These works will likely begin in 2025.

Ruffey Lake boardwalk

We’re building a boardwalk along Ruffey Lake to create a safe, accessible, and visually appealing pathway that encourages the community to enjoy the lake and its surroundings.

The boardwalk construction is expected to start in 2025.

Please keep alert for the works and follow the direction of staff and signs to move safely around the area.

We’ll publish updates on the works and schedule on the Ruffey Lake Masterplan Your Say Manningham page – subscribe to receive updates via email.

For any questions about these projects or works, contact us on 9840 9333.

The new sculpture by Natasha Johns-Messenger was installed at Boulevard Hill in June this year.

Named EllipseCircleView, this artwork draws inspiration from the panoramic views of Ruffey Lake Park. Its simple geometric forms encourage visitors to contemplate their surroundings and appreciate the beauty of the landscape.

Visit our website to find out more about the artist and artwork.

See the video below for the artists insights and inspiration behind EllipseCircleView.

We're upgrading the two pedestrian crossings located at the Church Road North entrance of Ruffey Lake Park. The existing pedestrian crossings will be replaced with two raised 'wombat' pedestrian crossings to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

The construction works will commence in February and will take around one month to complete.

During this time, the Church Road North entry will be closed to vehicles except for local residents. However, alternative parking is available along Cricklewood Drive. Pedestrians will be able to access the area via a detour, and we kindly ask them to follow the directions of signs and staff.

This project is part of the Ruffey Lake Masterplan and is funded by our 2023/24 Capital Works Program. Following the recent footpath construction on Church Road North, this upgrade will complete the pedestrian circuit from King Street to the park.

We thank you for your ongoing support and patience while we work to improve this open space.

If you have any questions about this project, please get in touch with our Civil Projects team on 9840 9333 or at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au

A new public artwork by artist Natasha Johns-Messenger has been commissioned for Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster.

As part of the the Ruffey Lake Park Landscape Masterplan, artists were invited to propose site responsive concepts that celebrated the natural environmental features of the area.

Site preparation work was carried out last week with the artwork being installed in December.

Visit our website to find out more about the artist.

https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/.../ruffey-lake-park...

As part of the delivery of the Ruffey Lake Park Landscape Masterplan, we have completed the following upgrades at The Boulevarde Hill precinct

A new lookout space with stunning lake views with:

• shelter
• picnic tables
• a flexible deck space for yoga/meditation

A new ‘Park Warrior’ course for cross-fit/ninja-style exercise, BBQ, and drinking fountain

You can visit The Boulevarde Precinct here:

The last component to completed the upgrade to the Boulevarde Hill precinct will be a new public artwork coming end of 2023.

We're implementing the Ruffey Lake Park Landscape Masterplan actions for the Boulevarde Hill precinct.

The improvements for this precinct include:

• A new lookout space with stunning lake views that will provide:
  • shelter
  • picnic tables
  • a flexible deck space for yoga/meditation
• A new exercise station for cross-fit/ninja-style exercise, offering a different type of activity compared to the existing exercise stations. This area will also include:
  • BBQ
  • drinking fountain
• New public art

The main landscaping works will be completed by early Spring 2023.

For further information, contact us on 9840 9333, or at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au

We’re honoured to receive a commendation for the Parks and Leisure Region Awards of Excellence (Victoria and Tasmania), Strategic and Master Planning Award for Ruffey Lake Park Landscape Masterplan. Within one point of the winner, we were recognised for our excellence in the category.

Parks and Leisure Australia is a leading industry association for professionals in the sector. It aims to build, serve and develop Australia’s strong and united parks and leisure industry.

Through the Awards of Excellence, Parks and Leisure Australia recognise and showcase outstanding initiatives and innovative efforts in the industry across various award categories. The Strategic and Master Planning category recognises outstanding examples of strategic planning for parks, open space, sport, recreation and leisure that have enriched and revitalised a community. Receiving a commendation, Manningham is recognised as a category leader within Victoria and Tasmania.

The approach for developing the Ruffey Lake Park Landscape Masterplan involved community and stakeholder engagement to produce a plan that supported a shared vision for the park’s future. It is an exciting and detailed strategic document that provides clear direction for the park’s future design, development and management over the next 15 years. With more than 1,000 voices contributing to its development, the Masterplan’s planning process demonstrates excellence in creating a shared vision.

We are very proud that Manningham’s premier park’s new Masterplan is one of industry excellence. We look forward to implementing the actions that will continue to provide a wealth of experiences for all to enjoy.

We're implementing the Ruffey Lake Park Landscape Masterplan actions for the Botanic Hill precinct.

The improvements for this precinct include:

• A new lookout space with stunning lake views that will provide:
  • shelter
  • picnic tables
  • BBQ
  • drinking fountain
  • a flexible covered space (e.g., for yoga/meditation)
• A new exercise station for cross-fit/ninja-style exercise, offering a different type of activity compared to the existing exercise stations.

We’re currently preparing the concepts for the space. The timing of the upgrade is subject to funding availability. All images provided are concept examples only and may differ slightly to final design.

For further information, contact us on 9840 9333, or at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au