Norwood Hill Recreation Reserve (Youth Space) revitalisation project

The revitalisation of the reserve has enhanced the natural environment to improve the health and wellbeing of the community by increasing opportunities for play, active and passive recreation and social connection.

The landscape master plan has been drafted by local landscape architects Pollen, and has been shaped by extensive input from the local community, Dja Dja Wurrung and other First Nations community elders and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

The master plan integrates the community’s ideas of improvements in accessibility with path networks, an increase in gardens and tree planting for future shade. The plan includes additional park seating, picnic settings and signage with local indigenous cultural heritage information.

A staged approach was taken to realise the landscape plan as detailed below:

Stage one: Delivered in 2022.

In stage one the open space of the reserve was revitalised with the planting of shade trees, gardens and a new path network to increase accessibility. A new nature play section was created and enhancements made to the barbeque shelter and park furniture. The existing play space was improved with a new play unit which includes an accessible carousel, expanding physical and creative play options for a wider age range of children. A new adult exercise park was installed, providing equipment for free outdoor fitness activities.

Stage two: Delivered in 2023.

Stage two saw the revitalisation of the old tennis courts into an exciting youth space on a new acrylic surface.

This space now offers multiple active play options including Parkour, Basketball, Netball, Tennis, Cricket and Soccer, and a mural on the new block wall.

Stage three: Delivered 2023

Stage three saw the closure of Lawrence St and created a safe parking space for visitors and a free passage throughout the reserve. 

Future traffic study of Maclise Street and Etty Street will help to identify solutions for pedestrian safely accessing Norwood Hill Reserve subject to funding.

Stage four:

Stage four of the landscape plan includes the integration of a section of the gully and dry creek bed section of the Reserve towards Landseer Street. This stage is subject to land approvals and funding.

Stage one:

This stage of works was funded by Council, the Australia Government’s Local Roads Community Infrastructure Program and the Victoria Government and Regional Partnerships Loddon Campaspe’s Healthy Heart of Victoria Program.

Stages two and three:

Stages two and three of the landscape master plan was funded by the Victorian Government's Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and Mount Alexander Shire Council.