About the project

We’re upgrading the Gamble Reserve play space in 2025 as part of Frankston City Council's Play Strategy 2021.

Gamble Reserve is located at Gamble Road, Carrum Downs, with pedestrian entry points from Gamble Road, Tyntynder Drive and Heatherleigh Court.

The proposed upgrade to the play space and landscaping aims to provide a broader range of play opportunities, improve access, inclusion and better connectivity.

Construction works are expected to begin in by late 2025.

What upgrades are proposed?

The Play Strategy outlines a range of service levels for play spaces across the municipality which guide the features and facilities that can be included in each space.

Gamble Reserve is identified as a local major level play space which is intended to service the immediate local area (400m walking catchment) for regular short-term stays (up to an hour).

As a local major level play space, with a shorter stay time, the upgrade is focused on pre-school, junior and can also be for a variety of ages to provide different play opportunities and does not include public bathrooms or BBQs. The proposed upgrades include:

• Swing-set
• Basket swing
• Climbing cube
• Combination play unit
• Balance tri-roka
• Nature play
• Picnic setting
• Seat
• Associated landscaping

We invite you to review our concept plan below, and to share your feedback via our short survey. We understand that the community highly values its play spaces and we appreciate the time taken to share your thoughts with us!

What is your interest in this project?

Do you like the look and feel of the proposed upgrades?

What are your favourite features from the draft concept plan?

Please share your reasons or other comments to support your response.

Feature requests and suggested changes to the plans:

• You should consider some type of water play. Kids always love playing with water. And maybe some shade sales, and make the landscaping decorating of the area interesting for kids
• We use this play space often as we have friends who live [nearby]. The current "web" climbing structure is always a big hit, and I hope the climbing cube will be just as appealing. Picnic space and shade are always big considerations in how useful a park is to visit.
• We have a variety of children in the area of all different ages etc..
  I think a huge miss is only having the basketball ring at Sandfield and would be great to even have a single hoop basketball area, maybe even a netball hoop as well. A quarter court size would be a great addition. A house in the court behind this park constantly has children using their hoop. would be great to have a space not joined to a road.
• Water play would be amazing too
• This park needs a huge revamp to promote an inviting space. For what is a quite boring play ground currently, i can’t wait to see what it turns into. My baby will soon be walking and we live [nearby], we can’t wait to have a space where he can play which is age appropriate and more than what is currently there.
• There needs to be shade. The area would be fantastic if there was shade and possibly a bbq.
• There isn't much shade there currently, it would be nice to see some more added. My children also love the swings, hopefully there won't be any less avaliable to use than what there currently is as both are now using "big kid swings"
• The gates do not lock, so pose a significant risk of children running onto a busy thoroughfare.
• Our family likes the park the way it is. More small trees to grow to tree canopies would be appreciated.
• Need rubber flooring for babies a and young toddlers to be able to move around
• It will be important to have some natural play elements such as rocks, logs, trees, shrubs, groundcovers, etc. For imaginative play. More tree canopy is required in this park, for added shade. The equipment would benefit from additional shade protection, from the sun. Sand-play could feature also. Social gathering spaces such as seats and tables are important. As is a drinking fountain. Also to retain the bin (for dog faeces, etc). Wide sealed pathway access to the play space from the street.
• It just needs a water fountain to help with little ones needing a drink, and sun shades to protect from the UV rays.
• I understand that local people can access the park but a number of parents frequent spaces outside the local area. Toilet facilities including barbecue facilities are needed. Also toilet and access for all abilities including elderly who may wish to enjoy park spaces
• i think there should be toilets there as well
• I like it. Can you add any sensory play like water play or music?
  Please ensure there is adequate shade.
• I feel the combination swing does not allow for appropriate use for families with multiple children under the age of 4. Currently there is 2x basket and standard swings which is much more accommodating to younger families.
• Hoping some shelter / shaded areas will be provided to sit under. Also would be good to still have a see-saw and other rockers for small children. Overall looks good.
• Fencing around the sections of the playground or the whole reserve, needs to have more disability and different ability inclusion
• Due to having a young family I think it should be considered to have a bbq area (most other parks have bbqs) which would have this park utilized more, Also public toilet as young kids need to go to the toilet at any point! The size of this reserve is quite significant and there is alot of potential that can be done.
• Bbq area and rotunda
• All of these upgrades sound fantastic. Please ensure there are still enough regular swings too.
  Thanks for your efforts, we appreciate it.

Support for the project

• The playing tower with slides looks excellent and actually accessible for a 1-3 year old. A lot of the parks in car runs downs don’t actually have accessible play equipment for toddlers that aren’t climbing up ladders
• The playground looks amazing :)
• Looks like a good upgrade that is required for the currently dated play space. My children also enjoy riding their bikes around at this area once finished with the current items available

Concerns about the project

• Basket swings were tried previously and multiple were stolen
• Abit bland for such a big space

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What is your age?

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