Heritage Gardens to reopen: Playground location to be reconsidered

Published on 13 December 2023

The heritage Thomson Water Gardens at Footscray Park will reopen to the community in 2024.

The ornamental ponds, which were constructed by Depression labour in the 1930s, were fenced off and emptied of water following two separate drownings in 2021.

In the intervening period, a review has been undertaken by three independent experts; focusing on, the play space, Council’s processes and systems, and the ponds as a water body, with recommendations largely implemented, and others in progress.

Remaining works to address any outstanding safety issues will be undertaken as part of the restoration before the ponds can be reopened. Given their high heritage value any works require Heritage approval.

The Footscray Park Playspace, which has been closed since it was inundated by flood waters during the October 22 flood, will not reopen.

While Council understands the Footscray Park Playspace is much loved by the community, there is concern the physical proximity to the ponds poses an unacceptable risk to public safety, no matter what risk mitigations are put in place.

Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam, acknowledged the decision not to reopen the playspace may not be popular but Council was not prepared to compromise on public safety.

“Even if we were to implement additional safety measures, the proximity of the playground to the ponds remains a potential risk, especially to unsupervised children. That is a risk we are not prepared to entertain.

“With this in mind, it has been decided the ponds and playspace now need to be separated,” Mayor Lam said.

Council will be exploring alternative sites for the playspace with the future location to be considered as part of a review of the Footscray Park Master Plan, in 2024, which will involve input from the community.

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