Stamford Park Rowville: Adventure play precinct part of redevelopment

From Bayswater’s steam train to Burwood’s W-class trams, the east is home to some of Melbourne’s best playgrounds. And, with an adventure playground in Rowville on the way, it is only going to get better. Here’s where there’s fun to be had.

An artist's impression of the planned 38ha of parkland at Stamford Park Rowville.

A huge new public space, including cycling tracks, paths and an adventure play precinct, is coming to Stamford Park in Rowville.

Knox Mayor Nicole Seymour says stage one of the council’s Stamford Park project includes the restoration of the historic homestead and gardens which are now a major attraction for Knox.

“I am excited that we are now shovel-ready for stage two of our vision for this area,” Cr Seymour said.

“Making accessible 38ha of parkland with shared paths and cycling tracks, as well as a fabulous Adventure Play Precinct will truly transform the area while preserving and enhancing the natural landscape.”

An artist's impression of the planned 38ha of parkland with shared paths, cycling tracks, and adventure play precinct.

Stage one of the redevelopment was completed in 2019.

Stage two begins next week and will take about six months, encompassing the new play precinct. It will include adventure play equipment, including a flying fox, fitness equipment, pathways and landscaping, and picnic spaces.

Stage three is expected to start at the end of the year and will include shared walk and cycle paths and boardwalks through the wetlands, landscaping and revegetation works of the wetlands and surrounds, including a lookout tower and village green for community events, and a specially designed habitat for the local platypus colony.

While you’re waiting to check out the new precinct, here’s our list of some of the best parks to check out in the east:

OLINDA PLAYSPACE

75-77 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

The beautiful owl sculptures are part of the Olinda playspace.

A huge hit since opening last year, the $1.8 million nature-based play space at the old Olinda Golf Course includes an all-ability playground, picnic facilities, barbecues, a dog off-lead area and toilet block.

WATTLE PARK

Riversdale Rd Burwood

Children can play on Wattle Park's W-class trams.

Best known for its two W-class trams which children can climb aboard explore, the Burwood park has been a favourite for families for years, with walking trails, ovals, tennis courts and a golf course, along with more play equipment.

JELLS PARK

Jells Rd Wheelers Hill

There are plenty of walking tracks to explore at Jells Park in Wheelers Hills.

There are multiple play areas for the kids to enjoy at Jells Park as well as plenty of walking tracks and green space. The park has been hugely popular as Victoria has come out of lockdown with families flocking back to enjoy the area. It also has a cafe, Madelines at Jells, if you need a coffee fix. You may even be lucky enough to spot some native wildlife.

MARIE WALLACE RESERVE

1 King St, Bayswater

The red steam train engine is a huge hit with kids.

Perhaps best known as the train park, the park’s popular red train has been delighting young visitors for years. A new bike training path, which allows children to ride on a track complete with traffic lights, has been a welcome new addition to the park.

BRICKMAKERS PARK

Stamford Rd Oakleigh

The playground at Brickmakers Park, Oakleigh.

There’s so much for the kids to explore at this huge park, including the playground and historical brick making machinery. It’s also a great place for a bike ride, with Scotchman’s Creek Trail running through the park.

QUARRY RESERVE

Quarry Rd Upper Ferntree Gully

There’s a new playground at Quarry Rd Upper Ferntree Gully.

The reserve has recently undergone a number of upgrades, including a new nature-based playground, with swings and a climbing area, as well as picnic areas and fencing.

Aston federal Liberal MP Alan Tudge said the reserve was “a hidden gem in Knox” and worth a visit.

RUFFEY LAKE PARK

99 Victoria St, Doncaster East

The playground at Ruffey Lake park.

A favourite for families living in Manningham, the park includes an adventure playground with a tyre swing, slides, flying fox and monkey bars.

There’s also toilets, shaded areas electric barbecues and picnic shelters.

MOO COW PARK

1 Wren Close. Nunawading

A very sweet black and white cow is part of the play equipment at this Nunawading park. Whitehorse Council also recommends checking out the play equipment at Halliday Park, Box Hill Gardens and Blackburn Lake Sanctuary.

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