The playground at Cliff Harvey Lagoon Reserve was last updated in 2010 and it is time for it to be upgraded to provide a safe and inviting place for children and families and to align with Council’s Creating Better Parks Policy and Plan 2016.
In January 2025 we asked for feedback on a draft concept plan for the upgrade. Based on the feedback received previously, and technical requirements, we've made two changes to the design.
What are the changes?
- Moving the half basketball court to a location near Hunter Street
- Adding a concrete path to the southern side of the reserve
Why did we make these changes?
Locating the half basketball court near Hunter Street moves it away from the busy Old Calder Highway, and keeps the grassed field open for picnics.
The location of the proposed concrete path is designed to protect the existing trees from any damage. It is the only suitable route for us to build a path while still protecting the character and heritage of these trees.
What's next?
Now, we want to hear what you think. Do the half basketball court and concrete path meet your needs for the future of Cliff Harvey Lagoon Reserve? Or would you prefer these areas be kept as open grassed space? Please vote in the feedback survey section below. Voting closes Monday 3 November.
Project Updates
While we wait for planning permits to be approved and construction to start, we're making some changes to the existing playground equipment. We want our community to get the best use from the park this summer. Read the project updates below to find out more.
The updated concept plan
The concept plan showing the locations for the half basketball court and circuit path
Feedback survey
Give feedback below
Project Updates
October 2025 - Playground equipment removal
We know how much this park means to our community. It's a special place for families to gather, and we appreciate your patience as we work to make it even better. Beyond the consultation about the future of this park, we've heard your recent concerns about the old wooden play structure. Here is an update on what's happening.
Wooden equipment removal
On October 13 we will be removing the wooden equipment from the playground. Slide the image to see a before and after.
You may have noticed that part of the old timber structure was already removed due to safety concerns. Unfortunately, the remaining equipment is also no longer safe and has been vandalised multiple times.
To ensure public safety and make the space more usable in the short term, we have decided to remove the rest of the old play structure. This will create an open grassy area for kids to run and play on the existing mound while we prepare for the long-term upgrade.
We are committed to building a new and exciting playground for everyone to enjoy based on the feedback we receive during the consultation process. However, this is taking more time than we initially planned due to a couple of important approval processes.
- Protecting against flood risk: Because the park is a basin, we need approval from Melbourne Water to ensure that the new playground won't increase the flood risk for surrounding properties.
- Protecting the park's character: We also need a planning permit to make sure the new design protects the park's significant trees and heritage features.
These approvals are crucial for a safe and successful upgrade.
While you wait for the new playground, we're planning some free family-friendly events in Keilor Village as the weather warms up. Keep an eye on our website for details, and join us for some fun!
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We can't wait to deliver a safe, vibrant, and much-loved playground for the whole community. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
July 2025 - Project timing and design
Timing for the upgrade works at Cliff Harvey Lagoon Reserve.
The upgrade plans are currently being considered for a planning permit, as the circular path – which was a feature strongly supported by the community in our consultation – passes through and near protected trees and vegetation. This requirement typically does add quite a few months to a playground upgrade timeline, due to the vegetation assessments and documentation that is required for the permit application.
Two rounds of community consultation were undertaken in the development of the designs for the playground. The first from 20 May to 16 June 2024, with a listening post on site 1 June 2024. The second round ran online from 12 December 2024 to 6 January 2025 which requested feedback on the proposed design.
In response to the second round of consultation, which sought feedback on the proposed design, the design was updated to:
- Relocate the half basketball court.
- Add irrigation to maintain the grassed area.
- Reduce the amount of fencing.
- Modify the alignment of the circuit path for better integration.
- Change the circuit path surface to concrete for durability.
The existing slide was removed, and the associated timber structure was blocked off from use, for safety reasons. This occurred prior to the first round of consultation.
We expect the planning permit decision to be made no later than October 2025. Following that, the works will be tendered for construction. The works are expected to start on site no later than February 2026 and will take 4 months to complete.
Unfortunately, the playground has suffered ongoing vandalism in recent months, and our teams have been kept busy fixing equipment and keeping it safe. If anyone sees vandalism, they should report it to police.
Acknowledgement of Country
Brimbank City Council respectfully acknowledges and recognises the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and future.
