We're planning an upgrade of Griffiths Park to make sure it meets the needs of all users. It will include a play space renewal, conversion of the sump to an open swale integrated into the park and irrigation / hydrozoning.

The project is grant funded which means it needs to be delivered within a set timeframe. We aimed to get as much community input as possible early in the process so it can incorporated it into a concept design.

What we heard

Through other recent engagements we've gathered some input about what you value about Griffiths Park and how it could better suit your needs. In stage one engagement we heard from 50 participants online, 60 people attended the drop-in and we worked with 19 local students.

• Broad support for converting the sump to an integrated swale with a focus on simple seating and a quiet space to connect with nature.
• Key values are the trees, open space, birds, bird habitat, dog exercise, play equipment and the circular path. Biodiversity / habitat and swale could be a point of difference between this park and others in Hilton.
• Climbing and nature play were ranked in the top three preferred activities across all methods. Swinging or being in a cubby were also popular.
• The most frequently mentioned play element was a flying fox, followed by slides, swings, monkey bars and climbing frames, with the need to include more challenging / bigger pieces catering to older children while maintaining function for young children.
• Separating users was raised several times with differing views on how and why. The key conflict identified was dogs and children, with some suggesting fencing around the playground or part of playground. Others do not want fencing or prefer use of landscaping or ideas such as separating the dog and human water fountains. Many children also noted they visit the park with their dog.

You can access the stage one engagement report here or from the document library.

You can explore each aspect of the upgrade in the interactive image above - click to view proposed options and information and click the icon on the bottom right hand corner to enlarge the image.

The Draft Concept Design including a full view of the park is also available to view as a PDF by clicking here or from the document library.

Key moves

In response to what we heard we’ve developed a draft concept. The key moves are:

• Convert the sump to a multi-use swale with a natural approach to stormwater management. It will also contribute to biodiversity / habitat and usable community space by incorporating local plant species, adding walk trails, seating and wild play.
• Retain and foster existing mature trees for shade, habitat and sense of place, and integrated into the design of the park as part of the upgrade. Where mature trees appear in poor health which can be treated, the City will take steps to remediate the trees. Some trees may need to be removed due to a range of issues including their decline from age or unrecoverable health issues.
• The swale, play area and kickabout area have been expanded and we anticipate some younger trees which are poorly placed and are exhibiting health issues like being rootbound, may need to be removed. The City will ensure additional tree planting, in appropriate locations will be included in the proposed design.
• Upgrade the irrigation and build on the ecological theme from engagement by removing turf from selected areas to conserve water and increase biodiversity.
• In response to the preference for climbing and nature play, the concept design includes a climbing fort with slide, net and cubby, swings, and the popularly requested flying fox. Also, the playground and multi-use swale incorporates boulders and logs to create nature play opportunities and enhance the ecological themes.
• We understand that the park needs to cater to various users. Various turf ‘rooms’ are for passive and active recreation activities from picnics to a kickabout area with footy practice goals.
• Also highlighted was the separation of the playspace from informal dog exercise areas as well as surrounding street traffic. New garden beds, boulders and logs have been carefully placed to provide a protective vegetated buffer around the playground.

Share your feedback below by Sunday 19 September 2021 or attend the Hilton precinct group meeting on 14 September (details here).