• Zone 2: Heart + Playground

    A central spine consisting of pump track, youth play, nature play and a ‘social connecting place’ that connects the Kooyong Road shops with the rest of the Precinct.

Zone 2: The Heart + Playground is the second stage of the Wilson Park Precinct Master Plan and represents the 'Heart' of the precinct.

The Master Plan was guided by extensive community consultation and visioning with local residents, which revealed:

  • Themes of Heart, Sport and Nature
  • Desirability of a natural park
  • Emphasis on artwork to acknowledge the culture and past of the location
  • Inclusion of an entry piece artwork in a 'Town Centre' location

Bringing the heart to Wilson Park

Planning for Zone 2 commenced in September 2022 while construction of Zone 1 was underway. This included site investigations, a Place Audit and stakeholder consultation to inform the design concepts.

Ecoscape Australia were engaged to complete the Detailed Design Development and Documentation. The final design was guided by the community engagement findings, concept planning and technical feasibility outcomes, and was delivered in September 2024.

The construction contract was awarded to Phase 3 Construction Pty Ltd in December 2024, and works commenced on site in March 2025.

Construction was completed in December 2025, and the site was officially opened in February 2026 with a ceremony and community celebration.

Playground elements
Wilson Park Zone 2
Wilson Park Zone 2
Wilson Park Zone 2

Design and themes

Design

The design for Zone 2 aims to create a public space that is welcoming, inclusive, safe and reflective of Rivervale’s character by referencing its history whilst also delivering on the expectations of a contemporary public space suited to its users.

It includes a series of key elements, including the Town Square, playground and nature play, pump track, and public artwork.

View the Wilson Park Zone 2 Design Summary open in new window

Click on areas and icons in the map below to learn more about their features.

Please note, the locations identified on the map are approximate. For exact locations, please refer to the design documentation.

View the design documentation:

View the Wilson Park Precinct Zone 2 Design Summary

View the Landscape Architectural Drawings

View the 50% Design Development documentation

View the Public Artwork Strategy


3D overviews of design elements:
Playground

Project stages and timeline

Project Stages

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Concept Review, Investigation and Analysis

    September 2022

    A series of site investigations and reviews were undertaken to inform a recommended design concept option.

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Place Audit

    A place audit was undertaken to gain an understanding of how visitors engage with the site, including usage, perception, comfort and safety. This included observational surveying and questionnaires across three sessions.

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    Stakeholder Consultation

    2023

    Aboriginal consultation was undertaken in September and October 2023 across facilitated workshops. It included people with Whadjuk family ancestry and Noongar people with long-standing community and family connections to Belmont and Rivervale.

    Key themes and outcomes from the consultation process were reported in the Wilson Park Precinct Aboriginal Community Stakeholder Summary Report (2023).

  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    Public Art Strategy

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    Detailed Design Development and Documentation

    Guided by the Master Plan, place audit and stakeholder consultation, Ecoscape Australia are preparing the detailed design and documentation for the Zone 2 site.

    This City finalised the 50% design stage in March 2024, and is commencing preparation of procurement documentation and upcoming projest stages.

    The detailed design and documentation was finalised and issued for tender in September 2024.

  • Timeline item 6 - complete

    RFQ for Superintendent

    August 2024

    The RFQ went to market and the preferred candidate, Donald Cant Watts Corke (DCWC) were engaged on 22 August 2024.

  • Timeline item 7 - complete

    Tender for construction

    October to November 2024

    The tender for construction is out for market and will close on 5 October 2024. Assessment of submission will commence in mid-October.

    It is anticipated that the recommendation for a head contractor will go to the Ordinary Council Meeting in December 2024.

  • Timeline item 8 - complete

    Construction Contract

    December 2024

    The tender for construction has been awarded to Phase 3 Construction Pty Ltd at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 10 December 2024.

  • Timeline item 9 - complete

    Works commence

    March 2025 to December 2025

    Construction is scheduled to commence in March 2025 with completion scheduled for December 2025.

  • Timeline item 10 - complete

    Wilson Park Heart | Opening and celebration

    February 2026

    Wilson Park: Zone 2 Heart + Playground. was officially opened on Sunday 15 February with a community celebration.

    The celebration included a smoking ceremony, plaque presentation, and interactive activities and performances.

    Read more about the opening of Wilson Park: Zone 2.