Planting the seeds for an updated Yarraville Gardens Precinct

Published on 23 October 2023

We’re seeking the views of the community on future improvements to the Yarraville Gardens Precinct, an urban oasis in the heart of the suburb that has been enjoyed for more than a century.

As we look to its future, Council is calling on residents to share their lived experience of the Yarraville Gardens Precinct - what they love about it, and any ideas for improvements.

Boasting a rich history, the Yarraville Gardens Precinct is the earliest, intact public reserve in our municipality - pre-dating Footscray Park as a major recreational precinct.

The land, initially set aside for a botanical garden in 1859, was formally gazetted in 1874, with the ornamental gardens in the area known today as Cuming Reserve developed in 1906.

Over the ensuing years, the Precinct has continued to grow and today covers eight hectares and includes the Barbara Beyer Reserve, Greelish Oval, Hanmer Reserve, Cuming Reserve with barbecue facilities, an outdoor stage/amphitheatre, a playground, historic walking paths, drinking fountains and a public toilet block. It is also home to some of our cricket and tennis clubs.

Whether you frequently use Yarraville Gardens for sport or recreation, you are a visitor, you live nearby or you just love the Gardens – we want you to share your lived experience with us to help understand what is and is not working, what areas you love, and any areas you might like to see changed or improved.

We are also progressing work on Maribyrnong’s first Changing Places facility as part of an upgrade of the public toilets at the Gardens.

With the support of funding from State Government, the new toilet block will include a height-adjustable adult-sized change table, a privacy screen and a ceiling track hoist system, in addition to the accessible toilet (with child’s pan and change table), two all-gender ambulant toilets, along with a shower, change stall and a small storage area for use by local sporting clubs.

To be constructed in 2024, it will also leverage environmentally sustainable design principles and include artwork by Art Life, artists with disabilities.

For more information and to provide your feedback visit yourcityyourvoice.com.au/yarraville-gardens with comments on the new Changing Places facility closing midnight Sunday 5 November 2023 and on the Precinct upgrade midnight Sunday 19 November 2023.

Message from the Mayor, Councillor Sarah Carter

Whether it’s sitting under a shady tree, exploring the garden planter boxes, walking along the heritage pathways, playing structured sport or walking the dog, we want to ensure the Yarraville Gardens Precinct continues to support the needs of our growing population.

We are also excited to be delivering our City’s first Changing Places facility – just the fifth in Melbourne’s western suburbs - that will ensure access to this well-loved recreational reserve for all members of our community.

Maribyrnong News

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