100 Acres Reserve

Melway Ref: 35 F9-F10 Suburb: Park Orchards Precinct: 100 Acres Catchment: Regional Major Functions: Flora/fauna, informal recreation

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Horse riding on Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Open drainages lines, perimeter horse trail dams and wetlands Dogs prohibited & dogs on lead Path network 100 Acres Reserve is 41 hectares (102 Acres) in size and classified as a Reserve of Regional significance, forming part of One Hundred Acres, Biosite 14. The western third of the Reserve is in an ecological condition that is rarely rivalled in the Region, even in National Parks, and is considered very high priority in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012. The Reserve is managed primarily for biodiversity conservation whilst also providing a range of recreation opportunities in a natural setting, including walking, jogging, dog walking, horse riding, cycling and nature appreciation. The 100 Acres Friends Group has significantly contributed to the ongoing management of the Reserve and has worked closely with Council's Bushland Crew over many years. A review of The 100 Acres Reserve Management Plan (1996) was completed in 2010 and actions to be implemented include continuing to improve the Reserve’s biodiversity, weed and pest control programs, protection of rare or threatened flora species, path upgrades, signage and changes to dog controls in high conservation areas. The main Reserve entrance is from Knees Road and located within Domeney Reserve. Other entrances are Arundel Road, Berringa Road, Wirth Road and three local streets to the north. Improved connection to the yet to be developed Yanggai Barring Linear Park to the north-east is a longer term action.

Acheron Reserve

Melway Ref: 47 B2 Suburb: Doncaster Precinct: Ruffey Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Informal grassed area Dogs on lead Basketball goal Picnic table

Acheron Reserve has a dual function for community recreation and drainage (with a drainage pit and an overland flow path). The Reserve measures 2,672m², is flat and provides informal recreation opportunities, with a basketball pad and play equipment (1-4 year olds). Play opportunities should remain small and continue to cater for the pre-school age group. A path connects Acheron Street to Ella Court. The area bounded by Doncaster Road, Elgar Road and the Eastern Freeway is generally well provided with play opportunities and basketball towers. Future development of Acheron Reserve should complement the opportunities offered at nearby Wilsons and Carawatha Reserves. There is the potential to improve the landscape amenity through additional canopy tree planting.

Aintree Reserve

Melway Ref: 48 D1 Suburb: Donvale Precinct: Zerbes Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Informal grassed area Dogs on lead

Although small (1293m²), Aintree Reserve is important in the provision of open space within the local area, given the current lack of quality open space north of Doncaster Road. The Reserve provides some seating and play opportunities for 2-8 year olds. Although there are poor pedestrian links to the Reserve, the playground is in the catchment of Donburn Primary School families. Scope of play will always be small but additional landscaping would improve accessibility and amenity of this currently uninspiring reserve.

Aird Reserve

Melway Ref: 24 F12 Suburb: Wonga Park Precinct: Wonga Park Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Unstructured bush play Mature trees Dogs on lead

This a large (5,212m²) single lot located at the end of Aird Court in a low density residential area, less than 200m south of Wonga Park Reserve. Roads in this area have very poor connectivity and as such pedestrian links are limited. There is a natural drainage line through the Reserve. Due to poor pedestrian accessibility, the surrounding low density development and the proximity of other more viable reserves, this is a very low priority site for further development. Additional canopy tree planting would add to the amenity of the Reserve.

Akoonah Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 G10 Suburb: Donvale Precinct: The Pines Catchment: Local Functions: Pedestrian link, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Informal grassed area Dogs on lead

The primary function of this reserve is for drainage, as it contains a Melbourne Water main drain. The Reserve also provides a connection between Serpells Terrace and Valepark Drive, which in turn, connects Allara Reserve with Valepark Reserve. This Reserve is a low priority for development. A footpath connection may be useful for local residents. There is limited potential for landscaping.

Alan Morton Reserve

Melway Ref: 35 C12 Suburb: Park Orchards Precinct: 100 Acres Catchment: District Functions: Flora/fauna, linear park, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Shared path Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Dogs on lead Open drainage line and wetland Principal pedestrian network

Alan Morton Reserve is a linear reserves along a natural drainage line that runs alongside Park Road. It aids the pedestrian links to the Park Orchards centre from the south. The Reserve is located within the Rainbow Valley Road, Biosite 20 and is considered a very high priority in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012. The Alan Morton Reserve Concept Plan was developed in 1995 and works since implemented include a wetland system to filter storm water runoff. As part of the Park Road upgrade in 2011, a shared path was constructed through the Reserve from Kebun Court to Enfield Avenue, as Park Road was too difficult to widen for this purpose. The Friends of Alan Morton Reserve Group is still active and holds regular working bees that include planting, weed management and mulching. Further works required to the Reserve include seating, signage and staged removal of pine trees.

Albany Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 D9 Suburb: Doncaster East Precinct: The Pines Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, pedestrian link

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Informal grassed area Path network Picnic table Dogs on lead

Albany Reserve provides a link from Albany Way to Refuge Place, which in turn provides access to bus stops and shared pathways on both Blackburn and Roads. Albany Reserve has a playspace which was installed in 2008 catering for 1-8 years. The area is well serviced by play opportunities and is not in the catchment of a primary or pre- school. Accessibility is good, with a sealed pathway, and shade has been considered. Apart from additional planting this Reserve is not a priority for further development.

Alexander Reserve

Melway Ref: 22 H12 Suburb: Warrandyte Precinct: Currawong Catchment: Local Functions: Flora/fauna, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Dogs off lead

Alexander Reserve is 6,186m² and located in the Naughton Avenue, Biosite 15 in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012. Its main functions are the conservation of remnant indigenous vegetation and drainage. The adjoining area is low density residential and rural conservation and is also nearby. The sewerage backlog program is proposing a sewerage main and small pump station within the Reserve. There is limited potential for recreation provision due to lack of links to the local community and its location within low density residential development. Definition of the Reserve boundaries, signage and some revegetation will enhance the Reserve.

Allara Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 G9 Suburb: Donvale Precinct: The Pines Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Informal grassed area Dogs on lead Path network

Allara Reserve provides access between The Elms, Allara Court and Serpells Terrace and is in close proximity to two primary schools. The playspace was upgraded in 2002 and caters for 2-8 year olds. Given its steep topography, catering for 3+ year olds should be considered when upgrading. However, as the area is well provided with play and informal recreation opportunities, the playspace should remain small. The steep embankment on Serpells Terrace was improved in recent years through construction of a retaining wall and landscaping. The Reserve would benefit from additional canopy tree planting in the open areas and further boundary landscaping.

Aloha Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 A6 Suburb: Templestowe Precinct: Green Gully Catchment: Local Functions: Flora/fauna, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Dogs off lead Informal grassed area

Aloha Reserve comprises most of the Urban Miscellaneous (Reynolds Road), Biosite 35 in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012. The large local park (0.75 ha) runs along a drainage line and is well established with mature, remnant vegetation. The Reserve connects Reynolds Road to Aloha Gardens but due to lack of footpaths, or bus stops, along this section of Reynolds Road, there is little pedestrian traffic through the Reserve. This steep site should be managed primarily as a conservation site. Consideration could be given to seating.

Anderson Park

Melway Ref: 34 E7 Suburb: Doncaster East Precinct: The Pines Catchment: Regional Functions: Flora/fauna, sport

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Soccer Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Dogs off lead Pine trees Path network Principal pedestrian network Off street parking

Anderson Park is a 4.5 hectare reserve that has sporting and biodiversity conservation as its two primary functions. Anderson Park consists of Council owned land which contains the main soccer field, synthetic soccer field, pavilion and carpark and Crown Land, which contains anadditional soccer field and remnant indigenous vegetation. This vegetation is part of Andersons Creek Road, Biosite 33 and is considered a high priority bushland reserve in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012. A small synthetic surfaced soccer training field was recently constructed. The Reserve also provides pedestrian access for local residents through the St. James Court walkway and through a gate for the residents of the adjacent retirement village to The Pines Shopping Centre. The Onemda Centre and Baptist Church, which are both located adjacent to the Reserve, share use of the Reserve’s carpark. An off road shared path runs along Andersons Creek Road and an on-road bicycle path runs along Reynolds Road. Pedestrian connection around the main soccer field could be improved to St James Court. Privately owned land on Reynolds Road on the western side of the bushland, that has been a vacant site for many years, is earmarked for medium density residential development. Retention of the bushland becomes even more important in this increasingly developed locality where no other remnant vegetation can be found elsewhere in a one kilometre radius. Refer to Anderson Park Management Plan 1992, Eastern Region Soccer Strategy 2007 and The Pines Centre Structure Plan 2011.

Andersons Creek Reserve

Melway Ref: 35 C2 Suburb: Warrandyte Precinct: Warrandyte Catchment: Regional Functions: Flora/fauna, linear park, pedestrian link, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Dogs on lead Creek frontage

This long and narrow strip of unreserved Crown Land follows Andersons Creek south from Warrandyte State Park. The land is maintained by Andersons Creek Catchment Area (ACCA), Landcare group, Melbourne Water and Department of Sustainability and Environment. Part of Fourth Hill Biosite 11 in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012, this Reserve contains high quality vegetation and provides a significant wildlife corridor from the to 100 Acres Reserve.

Andersons Creek North Reserve

Melway Ref: 35 C2 Suburb: Warrandyte Precinct: Warrandyte Catchment: Regional Functions: Flora/fauna, pedestrian link , drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Dogs on lead Creek frontage

Andersons Creek North Reserve is located on the corner of Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road and Harris Gully Road around the Country Fire Authority (CFA) building. It is comprised of a parcel of road reserve and a parcel of unreserved Crown Land. Council maintains the unused road reserve on the west side of the creek (between the Goldfields shops and the creek), although no formal agreement exists. A pedestrian path has been constructed along the western boundary of the site which acts as a pedestrian link to the Goldfields Shopping Centre and Warrandyte Reserve and to the east to Gold Memorial Drive and Warrandyte State Park beyond. The dominant features of the Reserve are Andersons Creek and its native vegetation values (Fourth Hill Biosite11 in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012). Management should focus on the protection and enhancement of these values, along with the formalisation of land management responsibilities. This site was described in the previous Strategy as part of the Andersons Creek Corridor Linear Park. The Anderson Creek Corridor Concept Plan (2002) relates primarily to private land and there is insufficient public open space along the corridor to describe the open space as a Linear Park. The possibility of a Linear Park along Andersons Creek may be reinvestigated at some time in the future, but is not considered feasible in the near future due to the amount of land acquisition involved.

Andersons Creek South Reserve

Melway Ref: 35 H8 Suburb: Park Orchards Precinct: 100 Acres Catchment: Regional Functions: Flora/fauna, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Dogs on lead Creek frontage 562 Ringwood-Warrandyte Road is a relatively small (2,866m²) triangular Drainage Reserve across Andersons Creek, owned by Melbourne Water. The Reserve supports Fourth Hill, Biosite 11 in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012 and forms a habitat corridor running north from The 100 Acres Reserve. Its ecological values and drainage functions are of primary importance and no development outside of these functions would be anticipated.

Andromeda Reserve

Melway Ref: 33 D9 Suburb: Lower Templestowe Precinct: Finns Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Informal grassed area Dogs on lead Mature trees Andromeda Reserve is smaller (600m²) than considered desirable but does serve a function as a green buffer in a residential area. Play opportunities are located close by at Crawford Reserve (300 metres away) but the Reserve’s function as open space could be improved with additional tree planting. The Reserve requires signage identifying it as public open space.

Anthony Reserve

Melway Ref: 33 A10 Suburb: Doncaster Precinct: Bolin Bolin Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, drainage, pedestrian link

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Mature trees Dogs off lead Informal grassed area Retarding basin The functions of Anthony Reserve are a Melbourne Water managed retarding basin, informal recreation, playspace (swing set only) and a thoroughfare to local streets. The Reserve is large, at 6.4 hectares, although approximately 30% of the Reserve is the retarding basin. Its benefits include an impressive large Eucalypt and strong connections to adjoining streets, but its open space and recreational values are compromised by the retarding basin and the presence of isolated corners with poor access and passive surveillance. Improved park entrances into the Reserve and a path network through the Reserve connecting Anthony Avenue, Madeleine Street and Irene Court would improve access in the provision of informal recreation opportunities and pedestrian links. Play in this locality should focus on nearby Timber Reserve. There is scope for additional canopy tree planting, particularly at the western end of the Reserve.

Apple Blossom Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 B9 Suburb: Templestowe Precinct: Green Gully Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, pedestrian link

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Informal grassed area Dogs on lead Mature trees Path network Apple Blossom Reserve is well located and a good size (2865 m 2), with access from three surrounding streets. Upgraded in 2009 with new pathways and a playspace catering for 1-7 year olds, this locality is well provided with play and informal recreation opportunities. The existing facilities are sufficient for the Reserve’s size and locality.

Applewood Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 D7 Suburb: Doncaster East Precinct: The Pines Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, pedestrian link

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Informal cricket pitch Informal grassed area Dogs on lead Mature trees This reserve of 3500m² is located on the corner of Applewood Court and Laurie Road and has the potential to create a pedestrian link between these streets and Blackburn Road. This would facilitate further connections on the west side of Blackburn Road through to Jenkins Park and Green Gully Linear Park, but would be subject to the development of a safe crossing point on Blackburn Road, the need for which has been highlighted in the Walk Manningham Plan. The site is relatively undeveloped, with only a few plantings and an old drinking fountain. The Anglican Church owns the northerly portion of the land which currently appears to be public open space, immediately to the north of the cricket pitch. The Blackburn Road frontage is currently blocked by a high cyclone wire fence, but can still be accessed informally via the Church land. Given Whistlewood Reserve playspace is located across Laurie Road, the priority for this site should be the realisation of its potential as a pedestrian link, along with additional planting.

Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre

Melway ref: 33 D9 Suburb: Lower Templestowe Precinct: Finns Catchment: Regional Functions: Sport, pedestrian link

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Recreation Centre Mature trees Off street parking Swimming pools Informal grassed area Accessible facilities Play equipment (small) Ropes course

Aquarena is an aquatic and leisure centre owned by the and managed by Manningham YMCA. Aquarena has the only public swimming pool in the municipality and the facility in general is heavily used, with one million visits annually. Facilities include an outdoor heated 50 metre pool, toddlers pool, diving pool, water slide, adventure ropes course, indoor heated 25 metre pool, learners pool, spa & steam room, gymnasium, program room, crèche and café. The Aquarena and Aquatic Leisure Centre Master Plan 2005 is currently being implemented in six stages. Stages 1 and 2 of the project included the construction of new school change rooms, first aid room, offices and the refurbishment of the existing ‘wet’ change rooms. Stage 3 completed December 2012, included the development of swimming club clubrooms incorporating additional dry program rooms, upgrade of the existing outdoor diving pool, an additional waterslide and the refurbishment of the external change facilities. Aquarena is physically accessible to the community with carparking, bus stops/shelters and an on road bicycle path on Williamsons Road and bicycle parking. There is also a pedestrian/bicycle link connecting Ruffey Creek Linear Park and the Main Yarra Trail to Aquarena from Balsam Street. The informal pedestrian access linking Crawford Reserve to Aquarena along the north and south boundaries needs to be upgraded to at least one accessible path.

Aranga Reserve

Melway ref: 48 F5 Suburb: Donvale Precinct: Boronia Catchment: District Functions: Informal recreation, pedestrian link

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Dog activitiy centre (fenced) Informal grassed area Dogs off lead Play equipment (small) Mature trees Off street parking Picnic table Path network

Aranga Reserve is a large reserve (2.0 hectare) located in a residential area and adjacent to Donvale Primary School, Heatherwood School and Manningham Donvale Indoor Sports Centre. Although it is easily accessible from the nearby Linear Trail, the Reserve is hemmed in by two major road barriers (Springvale Road and the Eastern Freeway). The playspace currently caters for 2-10 year olds and should continue to cater for a wide range of ages given the lack of play opportunities in this locality. However, the existing playspace could be improved with more interesting landscaping and challenging opportunities. Aranga Reserve is also home to Manningham’s first fenced dog activity centre. The role of the dog activity centre is to provide a facility for dog socialisation and familiarisation activities for dog owners and the community. The Reserve includes the former Panoramic Heights Preschool now leased by the Friends of Manningham Cats and Dogs (FOMDAC) for the purpose of encouraging responsible dog and cat ownership. A number of opportunities exist to improve the Reserve, including a better link from the Reserve to Donvale Primary School, landscaping and a need to legally include Eastway Avenue in a road reserve.

Argyle Reserve

Melway Ref: 48 E4 Suburb: Donvale Precinct: Boronia Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Informal grassed area Dogs on lead Argyle Reserve is small size (699m²), with limited links to the local street network. A Council main drain also divides the Reserve in half. Play opportunities were upgraded in 2000 to cater for 2-4 year olds but will always be restricted by the Reserve’s small size. The Reserve is 250 metres from Donvale Primary School and should continue to provide play opportunities with a small playground. A path to improve access to the playspace from Argyle Street and additional canopy tree planting would improve the Reserve.

Arthur John Upton Reserve

Melway ref: 24 F11 Suburb: Wonga Park Precinct: Wonga Park Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, flora/fauna, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Unstructured bush play Pine trees Dogs off lead Informal grassed area Dams (x 3) Remnant vegetation Path network Arthur John Upton Reserve was named by the former Shire of Lilydale in recognition of the previous owner of much of that land included in the Reserve. This large Reserve (2.2 hectares) has access from Hartley Road, Upton Court, Vine Court and Inverbervie Court (through to Wonga Park Reserve) and contains three old farm dams, a pine plantation and open grassland area. The former Shire of Lilydale resolved to retain the three dams as habitat for wildlife and in doing so retained the dual function of the Reserve as informal recreation and wildlife habitat. The Reserve is a habitat corridor between areas of buffer vegetation and Freyne Street Biosite 7 in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012. These attributes complement the nearby Wonga Park Reserve that has a focus on sporting facilities and informal recreation opportunities for children and teenagers. The Reserve works carried out as part of implementation of the revised concept plan for Arthur John Upton Reserve include improvements to the wetland areas, a path system and extensive revegetation.

Astelot Reserve

Melway Ref: 48 G4 Suburb: Donvale Precinct: Boronia Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Pine trees Dogs on lead Picnic table Informal grassed area Astelot Reserve is an important and good sized (3900 m 2) area of open space for residents in this local area as its wider area is bounded by the physical barrier of three busy roads; Springvale Rd, Eastern Freeway and Mitcham Rd. It is located on the corner of The Glen and contains a stand of mature pine trees. Although there are no other links to local streets, Donvale Pre-school is close by. Play opportunities currently cater for 3-10 year olds and the wider locality has limited play opportunities due to a general lack of open space. It is important to cater for a wide range of ages with play opportunities at this Reserve. Installation of a basketball/ netball half court should be considered. Significant additional tree planting should be considered in the future as a replacement for the existing pine trees as they decline and are removed.

Balmoral Reserve

Melway Ref: 33 A8 Suburb: Lower Templestowe Precinct: Finns Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, pedestrian link, community facility

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Garden beds Dogs on lead Pre-school services Mature trees Path network Balmoral Reserve is an attractive reserve providing pedestrian access between Macedon Road and Balmoral Avenue. The Reserve is 3,330m² in area but an early intervention centre on the site, which offers services to children aged 0-6 year olds occupies a third of the Reserve. Macedon Square and Macedon Plaza are very close and the Reserve also serves the workers and visitors to this shopping centre during their lunch break. A Concept Plan was developed in 1995 and was implemented with attractive boundary planting, pathways and new play equipment. The bright and cheerful play opportunities cater for 1-8 year olds but future consideration should be given to making the equipment more accessible. The area is well serviced by play opportunities and there are no recommendations to change its status. Some consideration could be given to expanding the size of the Reserve if opportunities arise.

Balwyn Link

Melway Ref: 32 F9 Suburb: Bulleen Precinct: Bolin Bolin Catchment: District Functions: Pedestrian link

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Informal grassed area Path network Garden beds Dogs on lead

This was formally part of a wider Balwyn Road reserve that is now limited to the narrow road pavement. Balwyn Link provides an attractive pedestrian link for local residents to Thompsons Road Local Centre and bus stop. The Reserve has previously been extensively landscaped. New fencing and infill landscaping would help to improve the Reserve’s amenity.

Baratta Reserve

Melway Ref: 48 A3 Suburb: Doncaster East Precinct: Boronia Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Informal grassed area Dogs off lead Mature trees

Baratta Reserve is relatively small (1,859m²) and consists of one parcel of land opposite Thea Reserve. It provides informal recreation opportunities in a shaded and attractive setting. The centre of the Reserve is low lying and has a main Council drain crossing through it. While minimal development is recommended for this Reserve, appropriate additional planting could enhance unstructured bush play opportunities. Any planning of Thea Reserve should also include Baratta Reserve.

Barooga Reserve

Melway Ref: 24 J9 Suburb: Wonga Park Precinct: Wonga Park Catchment: Local Functions: Flora/fauna

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Unstructured bush play Remnant vegetation Dogs on lead

Barooga Reserve is a modest sized reserve (2,024m²) located at the end of a court in a low density residential area. Its recreational potential is very limited, but it has value for the protection of the remnant vegetation it contains which is buffer vegetation adjacent to Clifford Park, Biosite 2 in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012. The boundary with the residential property to the east should be fenced or marked with bollards. This Reserve is a low priority for any development.

Bebs Reserve

Melway ref: 34 A5 Suburb: Templestowe Precinct: Green Gully Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Garden beds Dogs on lead Mature trees

A small (914m²) and poorly located reserve at the end of a cul de sac, Bebs Reserve has no neighbourhood links but does have a strong connection with the local residents who use it regularly, including for neighbourhood gatherings. Play opportunities (1-8 year olds) and park furniture were upgraded in 2009 and cater extremely well for the size of the Reserve. Provision of play should be kept to the younger ages and complement the nearby larger Fielding Reserve. No further development is required.

Bedervale Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 B4 Suburb: Templestowe Precinct: Green Gully Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Unstructured bush play Informal grassed area Dogs on lead Mature trees

Bedervale Reserve is a well maintained, attractive and good sized (2,685 m 2) reserve that also has a drainage function. A number of residents adjacent to the Reserve assist in its maintenance. Although the Reserve does not provide any links, it is important to retain as a green space and to provide limited informal recreation opportunities (i.e. park furniture, bush play) but to not duplicate those at nearby Spring Valley, Fielding and Bebs Reserves.

Bellevue Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 C11 Suburb: Doncaster East Precinct: Zerbes Catchment: Local Functions: Flora/fauna, informal recreation

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Dogs on lead Fenced

Bellevue Reserve’s predominant function is biodiversity conservation. It is part of the Urban Miscellaneous (Zerbes Reserve, Blackburn Road), Biosite 35 in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012. The 2178 m 2 Reserve was created as part of the adjoining subdivision and development of part of the Yarra Valley Water storage area to protect this remnant vegetation. The perimeter of the Reserve has been fenced and the section abutting Yarra Valley Water has a high security fence. The section of post and rail fence along Bellevue Avenue doesn’t allow any official pedestrian access and there are no marked trails through the vegetation and into the Reserve. There is a carpark in the adjoining Yarra Valley Water owned entrance to the new residential estate. A pedestrian entrance into the Reserve, a seat, an interpretation sign and additional weed control are all that may be required to improve the Reserve.

Bernadette Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 F5 Suburb: Doncaster East Precinct: The Pines Catchment: District Functions: Informal recreation, linear park

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Informal grassed area Dogs on lead Path network Bernadette Reserve provides residents with a link between Drive and Larnoo Drive and indirectly to Mullum Mullum Linear Park, via the Porter Water Supply Reserve that crosses Bernadette Reseve. The narrow 2059 m 2 Reserve has a sealed path and enhancements should be limited to a park seat and canopy tree planting.

Betton Reserve

Melway Ref: 35 D3 Suburb: Warrandyte Precinct: Warrandyte Catchment: Regional Functions: Flora/fauna

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Dogs on lead Nearby creek frontage

This is a very small (1,260m²) landlocked parcel of Council owned open space between the rear of 26 & 28 Betton Crescent and Warrandyte State Park. The western section of the Reserve is only five metres wide. It forms part of Fourth Hill Biosite 11 in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012, and the Reserve’s only function is to preserve the remnant native vegetation. Located only 20 metres from Andersons Creek the Reserve adds to the public land corridor along the creek.

Beverley Reserve

Melway Ref: 48 D2 Suburb: Doncaster East Precinct: Boronia Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, pedestrian link

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Mature trees Dogs on lead Path network Fenced

Beverley Reserve is located close to Tunstall Square shopping centre and forms part of a pedestrian link which extends over Talford Street to Doncaster Road. The Reserve is the location of an old farm dam. An upgrade in 2010 included a new play space catering for 2-7 year olds, some interesting un-prescribed play elements under the feature oak tree and landscaping. Long term development of the reserve should continue to reflect its function as a thoroughfare and its close proximity to a busy activity centre. Some additional landscaping should be considered.

Bimbadeen Reserve

Melway Ref: 33 A5 Suburb: Lower Templestowe Precinct: Birrarung Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, flora/fauna

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Dogs off lead Picnic table Informal grassed area Bimbadeen Reserve is a 2.6 hectare semi developed reserve located on Templestowe Road opposite Finns Reserve. It is located in Yarra, Biosite 31 containing a significant valley of Red Gums. Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012 rates this bushland as a very high priority. It is a mildly undulating reserve that falls away steeply to Templestowe Road, providing views across Finns Reserve to the Yarra River. The recreation focus of the Reserve is at the western (Airds Road) end. Play opportunities consist mainly of traditional play equipment and three carved totem poles, catering for 1-10 year olds in a bush setting. The play space was upgraded and a small flat playing area constructed for informal play as an action of the Bimbadeen Park Concept Plan 1995. There is a pedestrian refuge on Templestowe Road at Airds Road that lead pedestrians and cyclists onto the Finns Reserve shared path. The Reserve is serviced with a nearby bus stop, pre- school and primary school and has the capacity to cater well for play and informal recreation for all ages. Future reserve upgrades should not only consider implementing the pathways proposed in the Concept Plan, but also management of the bushland area and additional seating.

Birchgrove Reserve

Melway Ref: 33 J9 Suburb: Templestowe Precinct: Green Gully Catchment: Local Functions: Pedestrian link, public utility

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Informal grassed area Dogs on lead Transmission tower

Birchgrove Reserve contains an SP Ausnet electricity transmission line easement over the entire Reserve. A transmission line tower is also located within the Reserve which compromises any open space value. The Reserve has frontages to King Street and Birchgrove Crescent and is the only opportunity in the 650 metres of King Street between Church Road and Ashcroft Avenue to get pedestrian access to the residential area north of King Street. A pathway through the Reserve to improve residents’ pedestrian links to King Street bus stops is the only recommendation for this Reserve.

Blackwood Reserve

Melway Ref: 24 H12 Suburb: Wonga Park Precinct: Wonga Park Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, flora/fauna

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Picnic table Remnant vegetation Dogs off lead Unstructured bush play Informal grassed area

This pleasant reserve of 7,580m² has street frontage along two sides and a link through to Lautoka Drive, although a steep embankment in the northeast corner restricts access. It contains a buffer habitat of scattered Eucalypts and Blackwoods. The undulating western part contains the remnants of orchard rows indicating the orcharding history of this area. It currently contains one picnic setting. While access is somewhat limited, as is typical of low density residential areas, the size, location and amenity of this Reserve may make it one of the more appealing and accessible reserves in the area. A Concept Plan was prepared in 2000 which resulted in tree planting on the western and southern parts of the Reserve.

Boronia Reserve

Melway Ref: 47 K4 Suburb: Doncaster East Precinct: Boronia Catchment: District Functions: Sport, pedestrian link, flora/fauna, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Soccer/cricket oval Remnant vegetation Dogs off lead Community hall Formal sports field Shared paths Unstructured bush play Off street parking Creek frontage

Boronia Reserve is approximately 3.2 hectares of open space, adjacent to Koonung Creek Linear Park, that provides a range of sporting and recreational opportunities for local residents and the wider community. Boronia Reserve has an oval, sports pavilion, carpark, hall used by Phoenix Theatre Group and contains remnant vegetation. The main Koonung Trail runs through part of the Reserve. As well as accessibility from the trail, there are pedestrian links to Boronia Reserve from Leeds Street, Thea Street and Boronia Grove. Thea Reserve provides sufficient play opportunities for the neighbourhood and there is no need to develop a play space at Boronia Grove. Refer to 2003 Boronia Grove Reserve Management Plan , Eastern Region Soccer Strategy 2007 and Koonung Creek Linear Park Management Plan 2011. The Management Plan recommends an upgrade of the path link to Thea Grove, consideration of public toilets and an upgrade of the path/steps link to Boronia Grove.

Brackenbury Reserve

Melway Ref: 35 D1 Suburb: Warrandyte Precinct: Warrandyte Catchment: Local Functions: Flora/fauna , drainage, informal recreation

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Unstructured bush play Remnant vegetation Dogs on lead

Brackenbury Reserve is a relatively small (1,763m²) undeveloped reserve in the Warrandyte residential area with an unmade section of Brackenbury Street to the west. The Reserve’s function is mainly as drainage but it also contains buffer habitat linking Fourth Hill and Pound Bend Biosites which are considered to have high value in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012. It is accessible from an informal pedestrian track where Brackenbury Street has been closed to through traffic. There is very little potential for recreation provision at this site. The apparent encroachment of an adjoining residential boundary into the northern side of the Reserve needs to be investigated.

Brendan Reserve

Melway Ref: 33 C11 Suburb: Doncaster Precinct: Ruffey Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Mature trees Dogs on lead Picnic table Informal grassed area Basketball

Brendan Reserve is an attractive 2150 m 2 reserve located at the end of a cul de sac and provides play opportunities for the local residents. In the north-west corner of the Reserve is an old pedestrian access to the adjoining St Gregory’s Primary School. There is a basketball ring and a playground catering for pre-school aged children. Burgundy Reserve is located only 200m away and future planning of play at these two reserves should serve to complement rather than duplicate. Future discussion with the school is required on the pedestrian access into the rear of the school property.

Brent Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 G9 Suburb: Doncaster East Precinct: The Pines Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, pedestrian link

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Informal grassed area Dogs on lead Path network

Brent Reserve is a small (1350 m 2) local park that provides pedestrian access between Brent and Bicentennial Courts. Additional tree planting is the only recommended development. Allara Reserve, located 300 metres away, is a larger park with a playspace.

Browning Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 B8 Suburb: Templestowe Precinct: Green Gully Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, pedestrian link

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Garden beds Dogs off lead Unstructured bush play Informal grassed area Path network

Mature trees

Browning Reserve is a generous sized reserve (5,891m²) and well located to suit the residents south of Serpells Road and the families of Serpell and St. Charles Borromeo Primary Schools. It provides a pedestrian link through to Glen Orchard Close and there is a bus stop outside the Reserve on Browning Drive. Upgraded in 2008, the Reserve is well maintained with attractive landscaping, good visibility and a playspace suited to 1-6 year olds. There are three other playspaces within a 400 metre radius and it is important to provide a variety of play and informal recreation opportunities in all of these reserves, that complement each other. Paths are in reasonable condition and are a mixture of asphalt and granitic sand. Additional low landscaping to the Glen Orchard Close pedestrian link would also improve its appearance, but in general this is a pleasant and functional reserve and a low priority for upgrade.

Buckingham Reserve

Melway Ref: 32 K11 Suburb: Doncaster Precinct: Bolin Bolin Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, pedestrian link, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Informal grassed area Dogs on lead Mature trees Retarding basin

Buckingham Reserve’s primary function is as a small stormwater retarding basin, though it is one of the more amenable retarding basins in the muncipality. It also provides an attractive pedestrian link between Menarra Street and Buckingham Crescent to the nearby Village Avenue Shopping Centre. The reasonably large (3100 m 2) reserve has been compromised by the drainage function which makes it unsuitable for development of many recreation opportunities. Given the relatively low distribution of open space in the local vicinity, some consideration should be given to better use of this Reserve. Consideration should be given to seating, additional appropriate planting for unstructured bush play and boundary planting to improve the Reserve’s amenity.

Bulleen Park

Melway Ref: 32 D10 Suburb: Bulleen Precinct: Bolin Bolin Catchment: Regional Functions: Flora/fauna, linear park, informal recreation, sport

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (large) Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Public art Cricket/football/soccer Mature trees Path network fields Archery Informal grassed area Yarra River frontage and drainage liines Aeromodellers Public toilets BBQ/ Picnic table Off street parking Dogs off lead

Bulleen Park is a significant area (35 hectares) of Council owned land adjoining the Yarra River, which requires careful management as it provides a combination of sport and recreation opportunities and high quality bushland reserve. Formal sport activities include football, soccer, cricket, archery and aero modellers. Informal recreation opportunities include a range of challenging play opportunities for all ages, walking trails, picnic and BBQ facilities, as well as art elements which reflect the area’s cultural and environmental significance as part of the Bolin Bolin Cultural Heritage Precinct. Bulleen Park falls within the Yarra Valley Parklands boundary and as such is subject to the recommendations made in the Middle Yarra Concept Plan and the Yarra Valley Management Plan . Its location adjacent to the Yarra River necessitates careful management. It is located in Yarra, Biosite 31 and contains indigenous vegetation that is considered very high priority in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012. In 2010, upgrades were made to the sporting facilities at Oval no. 1 and to the playspace at the rear of the park. Pedestrian and car accessibility to the Reserve should be addressed as a priority. Car entry into the park from both the north and south bound direction is difficult to see in the fast moving traffic, but could be improved with some additional on-road signage. Access for pedestrians from local streets is also generally poor, as there is no safe crossing point across Bulleen Road at the main entrance or from the northeast corner link. The Bulleen Park Management Plan 2000 makes recommendations to improve the picnic/BBQ area adjacent to the playspace and to create links to the Koonung Creek Linear Park trail and with the Main Yarra Trail. Improvements to the picnic/BBQ area would encourage extended stays from visitors to pursue the wide range of informal recreation activities on offer in this diverse open space. These improvements are yet to be implemented or fully investigated. Bulleen Park is also the site of an old tip which requires monitoring as per EPA guidelines. Refer also Yarra Valley Parklands in this strategy and Eastern Region Soccer Strategy 2007 for further information.

Bulleen Park Construction of the Bolin Bolin water harvesting and environmental flow initiative in the adjacent Yarra Valley Parklands requires the location of water storage tanks in the south-east corner of Bulleen Park. The water will be used to irrigate the playing fields in Bulleen Park and nearby schools and to provide water to Bolin Bolin Billabong.

Bullen Reserve

Melway Ref: 47 J2 Suburb: Doncaster East Precinct: Boronia Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, flora/fauna, pedestrian link, drainage

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Remnant vegetation (Biosite) Dogs off lead Picnic tables Mature trees Path network

Bullen Reserve is a large (2.4 hectares) diverse reserve, centrally located in a residential area. It is accessible from four streets, with frontage along Bullen Street. The Reserve serves as a local pedestrian link to Jackson Court Neighbourhood Centre, it is in close proximity to St. Peter and Paul’s Primary School and there is a bus stop outside the playspace. Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012 identifies the indigenous vegetation within the Reserve as the Urban Miscellaneous (Lawrence Street), Biosite 35. The Reserve also serves a drainage function, with an overland flow path and drainage pits. Since the 1993 Concept Plan, local residents have b een involved in planting the Reserve through Council’s Community Tree Planting Program. A 2013 upgrade for the Reserve included a new playspace, a shared path linking Tristania Street residents to Jackson Court Shopping Centre, an improved path network around Lawrence Street and a proposed extension to the bushland area.

Burgundy Reserve

Melway Ref: 33 C11 Suburb: Doncaster Precinct: Ruffey Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation, sport, pedestrian link (future)

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Play equipment (small) Informal grassed area Dogs off lead Cricket pitch Garden beds Walking circuit

Picnic shelter Mature trees Picnic table Formal sports field Sports training

The 1.6 hectare Burgundy Reserve has been set aside for local sporting purposes. It contains a large open level area which serves as an informal oval including a cricket pitch skirted by a gravel path, a picnic table and shelter, seating, drinking fountain, litter bin, play equipment and plantings. The sportsground is currently used by football clubs for pre season training during the summer months and by St Gregory’s Primary School for sporting activities throughout the year. The large expanse of open space also provides further potential for recreation opportunities for local residents. Play equipment caters for 1-5 year olds and will always be restricted by the limited amount of space in this part of the Reserve. Abutting the Eastern Golf Course, Burgundy Reserve potentially has significant linkages into the proposed residential development of that site. Given the changing residential densities in the area, the provision of additional low scale recreation facilities, including public toilets, and improved bicycle connections should be considered in the future.

Butterfly Reserve

Melway Ref: 34 F9 Suburb: Doncaster East Precinct: The Pines Catchment: Local Functions: Informal recreation

Recreation Facilities Vegetation Other Elements Informal grassed area Dogs on lead

The Reserve is a small single vacant lot (854 m 2) at the end of a court. Butterfly Reserve has been identified as having minimal open space value. There are three existing playspaces within 300 metres of the Reserve. Canopy tree planting would improve the appearance of the Reserve.