McAlpin Reserve in Ringwood North, within the municipality of Maroondah City Council, has received a major makeover.
Approximately 24km east from Melbourne’s city centre, the reserve is considered one of Maroondah’s hidden gems. It is a well utilised and popular open space in Maroondah used for play, exercise, walking, riding bikes, picnics, dog walkers and social gatherings.
The reserve has wide open grass spaces, large and inviting trees, barbecues and shelter, play space, a pond and walking trails throughout the reserve that connect through to Monterey Bush Park.
The play space at McAlpin Reserve received a major upgrade in 2021, funded by Maroondah City Council in partnership with the Victorian Government’s Local Parks Program. The space boasts innovative design and construction with carefully considered elements and features, with accessibility and equipment for all ages a priority of council and the community. The project also received finalist status at the 2022 Parks and Leisure Australia awards.
To recognise the land in which the play space is built on, wooden posts with native animals are scattered around the space, contrasting natural and manmade materials.
Elements have also been included that draw on the history of the site as an orchard.
This includes the ‘McAlpin Orchard’ area with fruit crates and giant wooden apples and pears for climbing over.
Junior and senior agility equipment along with swings, sensory area and roll play bike path make the play space an inviting and safe area for children.
This project has seen positive outcomes for the Maroondah community, improving an already well-loved reserve and now providing a welcoming open space with facilities that can be enjoyed by users of all ages and abilities for many years to come.
