John Dickenson Reserve Playground Upgrade
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This playground is being upgraded.
Last Updated: 13 February 2026 Follow EngagementThe playground at John Dickenson Reserve will soon undergo renewal, with the preferred design selected following community engagement. Community input has helped shape the final layout and overall design to better meet the needs of local families and park users.The playground at John Dickenson Reserve will soon undergo renewal, with the preferred design selected following community engagement. Community input has helped shape the final layout and overall design to better meet the needs of local families and park users.
Four exciting design options were developed, each featuring upgraded play equipment. Two options retained the existing playground pit layout, while the other two proposed combining all equipment into the existing fenced pit (removing the smaller pit).
We also asked for your thoughts on the colour palette - whether you preferred bright and playful, or natural and nature-inspired tones.
By voting, you helped create a playground that reflects community preferences, encourages connection, and provides a fun, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.
What's happening now
Following a very close initial voting outcome, we undertook a secondary engagement to confirm community preference before proceeding to procurement. Due to minimal support in the initial vote, Option 3 was removed, and the community was asked to confirm a preference for a consolidated or separate play area layout.
A total of 33 local residents within a 400-metre radius participated, with Option 4 confirmed as the preferred playground design. Construction is planned to commence in May/June 2026.
More information can be found in the engagement snapshots (detailing both rounds of consultation).
Engagement Snapshot - Stage 1 Engagement Snapshot - Stage 2
Explore the designs
We asked the community to chose from four fantastic playground designs, each with unique features.
Click the arrow on the bottom left to scroll through the designs, or
click this link to see them all.
What was considered as part of the playground upgrade? | Being considered | Not being considered |
| Playground renewal | Shade sails |
| Consolidation of playground area (pending preferred design) | Barbecue facilities |
| Colour palette | Toilets |
| | Drink fountain |
These elements are determined by the level of funding and type of park (as classified within the park hierarchy).
Relocation of the playground pit was also considered as part of the process.
The upgrade will feature new play equipment, a connecting concrete path from the existing picnic table to the fenced playground, and an additional gate near the picnic area to provide easier access. The existing fence will also be refurbished to make the park even more inviting for the community.
What is park hierarchy? The hierarchy of parks within the City reflect state documentation/strategies. These classifications are based on the number of anticipated visitors and the distance they are drawn from:
The amount of facilities/infrastructure provided at each space reflects the size and use of the reserve, travel distance and anticipated duration of time spent on-site.
The distribution of district, neighbourhood and local parks allows us to have a balanced level of the quality of space across the City.
John Dickenson Reserve is classified as a local park.
To ensure the new playground meets local needs, we asked for your help to choose the best design. Engaging with the community is key to building a sense of pride and ownership.
Consultation for this project has now closed, with option 4 selected as the preferred playground design.
You could share your feedback by contacting us by phone, in person or by completing the online survey.
Please note that only one voting submission per person was accepted, and multiple submissions are removed. In line with our procurement process, any submissions from playground suppliers are also removed.
This project is being funded as part of the City’s capital works program and approved in the 2025/26 budget. It should be noted that the budget for this project is limited.
How can I stay informed as the project progresses? To stay informed as the project progresses, click on the 'Follow Engagement' button to receive email updates.
My privacy is important. Will my information be shared? We take our privacy obligations seriously. Personal information is information we hold, which is identifiable as being about you. Our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information is regulated by the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988. You can find out more information about your privacy rights at the Privacy Commissioner's website and on our privacy page.
We may collect personal information from you when you participate in an engagement. This may include your email address, residential address and demographic information. This information is used to analyse engagement results, review communication objectives and obligations, or to communicate information to you about the outcomes of the engagement.
Who's listening?
If you require any further information, please contact the Open Space Design team.
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