Consultation update – Wombat Bend Playground upgrade – January 2025

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on what you love most about the playground and how we can make it even better.

Your feedback and ideas will help inform the designs for this playground.

Summary of key findings

• A majority of respondents live within walking or cycling distance (31.0%) or a 5-minute drive (27.8%) of Wombat Bend Playground, with most visiting monthly (39.4%) or weekly (33.1%). The primary age group of respondents was 34–49 years old (70%), and the playground is predominantly used by families with toddlers (0–5 years) and children up to 9 years.
• The most-loved features of Wombat Bend Playground include the flying fox (72.6%), bat swing carousel (62.1%), sandpit (53.6%), swings (49.4%), as well as the double slides and maze.
• Desired upgrades include play features such as trampolines (70.0%), larger water play areas (66.8%), climbing structures (66.3%), and bigger play unit (60%) with additional requests for a variety of slides, sensory play panels, and inclusive equipment like wheelchair swings. Amenities should include enhanced picnic tables, seating, and shelters, along with better access to drinking taps and clean, modern toilets. In terms of accessibility, there is a need for solid, wide pathways for prams and wheelchairs, as well as clear paths connecting play areas.
• Feedback on safety and maintenance emphasises the importance of maintaining the fully fenced playground for safety, with concerns about hazards such as snakes near vegetation and mosquito breeding around the sandpit. There are calls for regular maintenance of play equipment, sandpits, and water features, along with a need for improved shade and sun protection, either through trees or shade sails.
• Community values reflect a strong appreciation for the natural setting and bushland character of the playground, with requests to retain the unique, nature-inspired theme while enhancing functionality. There are also suggestions for innovative play areas that encourage creativity, socialisation, and physical activity.

Next steps

• We will prepare the draft concept plan based on the feedback received.
• We will present the draft concept plan for the second round of community consultation in May 2025.

Further information

You can read the consultation summary and analysis report here.