Locals can now visit Diamond Creek’s newly constructed Regional Playspace after it’s official opening on the 31st of October.
Nestled amongst the trees near Marngrook Oval and the popular off-leash dog park, Nillumbik’s expansive new playground features state-of-the-art play-equipment, picnic areas and a community tram café. The space will be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities for generations to come.
The Regional Playspace truly has something for everyone with a flying fox, cubby area, picnic shelters, seats, tables, barbeques and various play areas. As well as traditional favourites like swings and slides, the Playspace includes innovative educational apps that support augmented reality learning experiences.
The Playground design complements the surrounding bushy landscape with an emphasis on natural materials like timber and rock. The space is a reminder for all Diamond Creek and Nillumbik residents why they love where they live.
A restored piece of iconic Melbourne history featured
In May 2018, the Victorian Government announced that 134 Retired W Class Trams were to be donated to deserving recipients across the State. They received over 1500 applications from schools, community groups and public institutions, all interested in owning a piece of iconic Melbourne history.
Members from the Diamond Creek CFA, Diamond Creek Rotary Club and Diamond Creek’s Men’s Shed entered a shared application, declaring their intention to refurbish the tram for the entire community to enjoy. We thank the representatives from each of these groups; Joshua Allen, Kerry Jones and Leigh Marshall, as well as additional contributors and committee members.
Not only was their application successful, but it was ranked number one out of 1500! This extraordinary effort was only the start of the tram’s Diamond Creek journey, with the refurbishment also requiring extensive planning and renovation.
The tram is now positioned on a small hill overlooking the Regional Playspace. Led by the Rotary Club, the full refurbishment is complete, and the tram is fitted out as a fully functioning café surrounded by a large deck and pergola. The tram café will be run by community groups, with all profits going back into the community.
Thanking all sponsors, stakeholders and supporters involved
Construction commenced in March 2020 and the timely completion of the Playspace shows tremendous dedication from all involved. The $2.5 million project was financed by the Growing Suburbs Fund; an initiative by the Victorian Government focused on creating more accessible community facilities.
We thank all of the community, government and construction groups involved including the Victorian Government, Nillumbik Shire Council, the Diamond Creek Rotary Club, the Diamond Creek CFA, the Diamond Creek Men’s Shed, Ace Contractors Group Pty Ltd. and Custom Build Group.
Visiting Diamond Creek’s Regional Playspace
The Regional Playspace is located at 28 Main Hurstbridge Road, Diamond Creek. Parking behind the Bowls Club has recently been upgraded to allow for more visitors. The Playground is also accessible from the Diamond Creek Trail.
The beautiful Regional Playspace is now ready to explore. We encourage Diamond Creek locals to visit, enjoy and respect the space which opens at a time when joy and community spirit is essential for all.
IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION: Playgrounds are permitted to be open according to current State and Federal Government restrictions. All people over the age of 12 in Melbourne must wear a fitted face mask when they leave the house. Public social gatherings must be limited to 10 people. Please maintain social distancing and good hygiene at all times. For the latest Coronavirus restrictions, please refer to information released by the DHHS. Do not leave home or visit the Diamond Creek Regional Playspace if you have any symptoms (including sore throat, runny nose, fever, cough or shortness of breath), have Covid-19 or have been instructed to stay in mandatory isolation. For more information on staying COVID-safe, click here.
