Western Lawn works complete as Footscray Park enhancements continue

Published on 19 June 2024

Western Lawn works at Footscray Park, a key venue for community recreation and city events, are now complete, with the area returned for community use.

The $8.1 million investment has transformed the Western Lawn into a versatile green space – providing a dog off lead area, a location for festivals and community events, along with use by community sports – following the installation of new turf, irrigation, and drainage works.

The completion of the Western Lawn marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the 2011 Master Plan, with the focus now turning to the Thomson Water Gardens landscaping works and the removal of the Playspace – in line with a decision made by Council in December 2023.

Following approval from Heritage Victoria, enhancement works to the Thomson Water Gardens, feature an expanded pond edge, garden beds, new fencing, signage, water aeration devices, and conservation efforts for the Platypus Fountain.

The Footscray Park Playspace, which has been closed since it was inundated by flood waters during the October 2022 event, will not reopen. The Water Gardens enhancement and playground equipment removal works are scheduled to begin next month.

The space currently occupied by the Playspace will become a grassed area, with the mature trees, and public toilets and connecting pathway retained. Key elements of the playground will be retained for reuse at a later date.

"We know our community values open space, and these upgrades ensure the evolving needs of our local residents and expanding population will be catered to now and in the years ahead,” Maribyrnong City Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam said.

Council is currently recruiting for membership of an advisory committee to support a review of the 2011 Master Plan and provide advice and guidance around future planning and decision-making, including opportunities for a new play space at Footscray Park. Expressions of interest close midnight, Sunday 23 June 2024.

While the Western Lawn is now open for community use, certain areas of the surrounding grass require additional time to establish, and will be roped off until it’s ready for use. To support this, Council asks visitors to please respect the designated boundaries.

For further information about the Western Lawn works, visit: Footscray Park Western Lawn Upgrade