Montgomery Park

The Montgomery Park Master Plan is a long-term vision for Montgomery Park, and guides the design, development and management of the park over the next 15 years.

The master plan was adopted by Council on 29 January 2019. Its preparation was guided by consultation with the community and stakeholders, and we would like to thank those who provided ideas and feedback.

The roll-out of improvements outlined in the master plan is subject to open space priorities and Council budgetary processes.

Montgomery Park Master Plan (pdf, 612KB)  

Montgomery Park Master Plan Report (pdf, 5.35MB)  

Since the master plan was adopted a number of further studies and investigations and Council decisions have occurred resulting in some changes to the park, and reconsideration of proposed masterplan actions.

These changes are outlined below:

• Council upgraded the existing tennis courts in June 2022, by re-surfacing them to improve amenity and safety for the local community. Although the master plan recommended the courts be lined for tennis and netball, the courts were lined for tennis only, due to safety issues for users, and potential for damage to equipment associated with the setting up and packing down pf heavy tennis nets and netball poles in a public location. More so, the tennis-only courts no longer required expansion, so no trees needed to be removed for the works.
• A new kindergarten was positioned along Hilda Street, delivered as part of the Victorian State Government’s Building Blocks Program.
• Installation of a temporary pump track to address a growing interest in bike facilities in open space.
• Further investigations into opportunities for stormwater harvesting and treatment have found that it is not feasible to build a wetland in the park, as shown in the master plan.
• An audit of the cricket net has shown that the structure is no longer compliant to standards. Instead of replacing with a new cricket net, which would need to be doubled in size to meet current standards, it is proposed to remove the net; noting there are 4 other cricket net facilities close by.
• As an alternative for recreational opportunities, the basketball key could be enlarged to a half court (in its current location as the wetland was found to not be feasible). An upgraded basketball court could also include netball, a hit up wall for tennis and marked up cricket stumps. It may also be possible to include a bouldering wall, and outdoor exercise equipment in Montgomery Park, to provide alternative recreation opportunities, given that cricket nets are well represented locally.
• Further studies into the permanent pump track proposed in the master plan, indicate that such a track would need to be shifted further west compared to what is shown in the master plan. This alternative location will have better visibility and passive surveillance and would be closer to the playspace and picnic facilities which is likely a better outcome for people who want to use or watch over multiple facilities at once.

Why was the kindergarten located where it has been built?
For all updates on the new kindergarten please refer to the project page
Any queries specifically about the kindergarten project can be sent to kindergartenredevelopment@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Part of the scope of work will include the removal of the existing bluestone kindergarten building and yard. The footprint of the old building and yard will be returned to parkland and reinstated with grassing for the interim, until the future landscaping works are completed. The design of those landscape works will be included in an overall concept plan for community consultation in the first half of 2025.

When will the kindergarten be completed?
Construction works have commenced for Montgomery Park Kindergarten. Works are expected to be completed in early 2025.

Council is developing a draft concept design for the future play and recreational elements at Montgomery Park.

In the first half of 2025 Council will engage with the community for feedback on a draft concept design for Montgomery Park. A concept design will provide detail on the future playspace design, recreational elements and picnic facilities throughout the park.

The design will also cover the area where the old bluestone kindergarten is being demolished (which will be reinstated with grassing for the interim until future landscaping works are completed).

The draft concept plan will likely include:

• upgraded play area around the giant slide in the southwest corner of the park
• relocated climbing structure
• multi-use outdoor classroom for gatherings and events
• existing public toilet to be retained
• upgraded basketball key/netball half court, with hit up wall, cricket stumps and bouldering wall
• exercise/fitness stations
• permanent pump track
• upgraded picnic areas and park furniture
• new planting
• shelter and small informal stage area.

We are working on replacing the existing slide at Montgomery Park with a better slide (similar in length and style) for an improved play experience.

A pop up, modular pump track was installed at Montgomery Park in Winter 2022. The intention was for this pop-up pump track to be rotated around the municipality at different parks, based on a public vote which occurred in mid 2024.

Based on that consultation, the community have now let us know that their preference for the next location is Cliff Allison Reserve. More information can be found on YourSay.

The timing of the relocation will be determined with your input. We will discuss this with you at the same time as a draft concept design.

Council still intends to construct a permanent pump track Montgomery Park in the future, as per the master plan. A design for a permanent pump track will be included in the overall play and recreation concept design.

We are currently considering ways in which we can incorporate more trees, and how we can restore tree canopy removed as part of the kindergarten works.

As part of the overall concept design, we will incorporate the following approach for tree planting, whilst reflecting the original intent of the masterplan, including maintaining the central oval kick about space.

Tree planting principles

1. Avenue of trees along pathways
   We will incorporate new canopy trees on either side of the pathways within the park. These trees will provide long-term shade, ecological value and will enhance a park users experience of the park.
2. Advanced shade trees around new picnic and play areas:
   Advanced trees will be strategically located around new and improved picnic facilities, recreational and play elements throughout the park to provide immediate canopy coverage.
3. Tube stock trees around perimeter
   Tube stock trees will be included in all surrounding garden beds around the perimeter of the parkland, to increase biodiversity. A variety of native and indigenous species would be used, to support the local ecosystem and complement the natural feel of the parkland. Tube stock trees establish quicker and grow faster than more mature, older tree stock.

Care for new and established trees
There will also be a focus on improved care for existing and newly planted trees, including pruning, disease management, mulching, and soil health improvement to ensure the longevity of the new and established tree population.

Timing of tree planting
New trees would be scheduled for planting in the planting season, when conditions are more suitable.

Community input into tree plantings
In the first half of 2025, we will invite the community to provide feedback and comments on the concept design of the parkland. This will include further details of the playspace, picnic facilities, permanent pump track, recreational elements and the tree plantings (including locations and species).
In the meantime, please let us know if you have an interest in having input into the tree plantings and we will reach out with you directly when the concept is ready for community comment, to ensure you have the opportunity to share your ideas.