Wombat Bend Playground Upgrade

We’re upgrading the Wombat Bend Playground in Templestowe Lower.

Proposed improvements include:

• a diverse range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities
• a dedicated swing zone with five different seat types
• a larger water play area
• a sand play zone with raised tables and a digger
• a refurbished maze zone
• improved access paths for better connectivity and movement
• upgraded amenities, including new seating, picnic areas, drinking fountains, shelters, and BBQs
• enhanced shade and expanded grassed areas
• a new fitness station.

Car park improvements, toilet building works and a major playground upgrade are not included in this project.

Have your say

We've created a concept design to upgrade sections of the Wombat Bend Playground and would love to hear your thoughts.

Complete our survey by Monday 2 June 2025

You can also join us for an onsite community consultation session on Sunday 18 May between 10.30am to 12.00pm (noon).

Your feedback will help shape the final design of the playground.

The concept design has been shaped by community feedback gathered during our December 2024 consultation. View the consultation report.

About Wombat Bend Playground

Wombat Bend Playground is a much-loved regional playground catering to visitors of all abilities – created by the community, for the community. It embraces inclusive design to foster creative development, inspiration and imagination and to encourage the mind to explore.

Where is it?

Wombat Bend Playground is located on Duncan Street in Templestowe Lower

Questions?

• Email us at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au
• Call us on 9840 9333

This project supports the Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (Yarra Strategic Plan) 2022-2032, which focuses on protecting the health of the Birrarung (Yarra River) and its surrounding lands.

The project also aims to enhance parkland and recreational opportunities to support the wellbeing of the community.

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.

The first round of community consultation for Wombat Bend playground closed Thursday, 12 December 2024.

Thank you to everyone who participated, we are currently reviewing all feedback and will report back on the key outcomes here at the end of January 2025.

If you have any questions about this project in the meantime, contact us on 9840 9333 or at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.