EDITHVALE RECREATION RESERVE REDEVELOPMENT ......Landscape Architecture and Urban Design Office: 1st Floor, 407 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn, 3103 Postal: 5 Jervis Street, Camberwell, 3124

Report prepared by: Michael Smith and Associates Landscape Architecture and Urban Design Office: 1st Floor, 407 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn, 3103 Postal: 5 Jervis Street, Camberwell, 3124 Tel: (03) 9830 0414 Mobile: 0418 172863 Fax: (03)0 9830 2555 Email: [email protected]

In association with:

In association with: ASR Research Community Facility and Leisure Planning Suite 7, 321 Chapel Street, Prahran, 3181 Hede Architects Architecture 47 Stokes Street, Port Melbourne, 3207 FEBRUARY 2008

EDITHVALE RECREATION RESERVE

REDEVELOPMENT MASTERPLAN

Edithvale Recreation Reserve Masterplan Final Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION ONE - INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 3 1.1 Purpose and Objectives of Study .................................................................................................................3 1.2 Project Methodology......................................................................................................................................3 SECTION TWO – PROJECT DEFINITION MEETING.............................................................. 5 2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................5 2.2 Outcomes ........................................................................................................................................................5 SECTION THREE - LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................... 7 3.1 Purpose of Review .........................................................................................................................................7 3.2 Documents ......................................................................................................................................................7 3.3 Implications of Review for Masterplan .....................................................................................................17 SECTION FOUR - LEISURE TRENDS/ DEMOGRAPHICS......................................................18 4.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................18 4.2 Leisure Trends ..............................................................................................................................................18 4.3 Demographics...............................................................................................................................................20 4.4 Implications for Masterplan........................................................................................................................21 SECTION FIVE - THE RESERVE .................................................................................................22 5.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................22 5.2 Open Space Context ....................................................................................................................................22 5.3 Occupancy and Maintenance Arrangements ............................................................................................23 SECTION SIX - EXISTING CONDITIONS ..................................................................................25 6.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................25 6.2 Condition Assessment .................................................................................................................................25 6.3 Summary ........................................................................................................................................................29 SECTION SEVEN - CONSULTATION .........................................................................................31 7.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................33 7.2 Council Departments...................................................................................................................................33 7.3 User clubs ......................................................................................................................................................37 7.4 Associations...................................................................................................................................................42 7.5 Local Interest Groups/Residents...............................................................................................................45 SECTION EIGHT – MASTERPLAN OPTIONS...........................................................................53 8.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................53 8.2 List of Improvements/Assessment of Merit ............................................................................................53 SECTION NINE- MASTERPLAN..................................................................................................65 9.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................65 9.2 Masterplan Objectives .................................................................................................................................65 9.3 Timelines and Costs .....................................................................................................................................65 9.4 Masterplan .....................................................................................................................................................66 9.5 Central Pavilion.............................................................................................................................................66 9.6 Management and maintenance ...................................................................................................................67 9.7 Recommendations........................................................................................................................................67 APPENDICES ...................................................................................................................................73 Appendix A – Residents’ Survey..............................................................................................................................76

2


SECTION ONE - INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose and Objectives of Study

The purpose of the study was to produce a cohesive plan to guide the long term redevelopment

of Edithvale Recreation Reserve. The objectives of the study are to:

• Assess the condition of the Reserve and its facilities from a landscape, functional, access,

structural, environmental and safety perspective;

• Identify whether there are any gaps in recreation provision in the Reserve and how they

could be addressed;

• Identify the facility needs of existing users groups and how these needs could be

addressed;

• Investigate opportunities to consolidate/rationalise existing facilities;

• Explore opportunities for greater community use of the Reserve for less structured

leisure activities;

• Use this research to prepare a masterplan for the Reserve which contains a prioritised list

of development works and estimates of the costs of these works.

1.2 Project Methodology

The methodology for the development of the masterplan was divided into eight related stages. A

brief summary of the stages is as follows:

• Stage 1 - Project Definition meeting - A meeting was held with the Council staff and the

Project Reference Group for the purpose of clarifying the objectives of the

masterplanning process and discussing in detail any key/sensitive issues;

• Stage 2 - Literature Review - Relevant Council files, strategy documents and operational

policies were reviewed;

• Stage 3 - History of development - The history of the development and use of the Reserve was

documented;

• Stage 4 - Leisure trends/Demographic projections - The demographic characteristics of

Edithvale were analysed and the implications of these characteristics for the future

development of the Reserve were identified;

3


• Stage 5 - Existing conditions/use - The existing conditions at and use of the Reserve were

described. This description has the following components:

– A plan which illustrates and describes the condition of the components of the

Reserve;

– An assessment of the physical condition of the individual components of the

Reserve.

• Stage 6 - Consultation - User clubs, relevant Council officers, Councillors, other interested

group and residents were consulted about their use of the Reserve and the improvements

that were needed;

• Stage 7 - Findings/Major Issues - The findings of the previous research were documented in

a findings/issues paper. Included in this report were a list of the works recommended

by key stakeholders and an assessment of the merit of each works item. The Reference

Group and relevant Council officers reviewed the report and agreed on the

recommended works;

• Stage 8 - Draft and Final Report - A draft report was compiled which drew together the

information presented in the previous stages. The report was discussed in detail with the

Reference Group and Council officers and suggested deletions and additions were noted.

The final report and masterplan were amended, where appropriate, in response to

feedback provided.

4


SECTION TWO – PROJECT DEFINITION MEETING

2.1 Introduction

This section summarises the outcomes of the project definition meeting between the consultant

team and key Council staff. The purpose of the meeting was to:

• Discuss the background to the study and the key issues that need to be taken into

consideration or addressed in the masterplanning process;

• Discuss the condition of the Reserve and any works that Council has recently undertaken

or plans to undertake at the Reserve;

• List any developments occurring around the Reserve that may have implications for the

masterplan;

• Receive preliminary feedback from Council officers on improvements that could be

made to the Reserve.

2.2 Outcomes

• Council had some money budgeted for improvements to the existing soccer pavilion as

the change facilities were below the standards required by FFV and Council. The soccer

club has been successful on-field and is now in the State League Division 2, so the

requirement to meet FFV standards for the pavilion and the playing surface has become

more pressing. Council had insufficient funds to undertake all the work required and felt

that rather than a “band aid” treatment to the soccer pavilion, a more strategic approach

and look at the whole Reserve was required. Improvements to the soccer facilities would

then take place as part of an overall approach to the redevelopment of the Reserve;

• Some conflict is occurring between the resident clubs over the use of the open space

areas. Soccer is growing and would like access to more space at the Reserve. There is

sometimes conflict between the soccer and little athletics clubs because of the close

proximity of the internal soccer field and the track;

• The velodrome is a good asset but is only used as a training facility. The small cycling

pavilion appears to be primarily used as a storage space and meeting place in summer for

cyclists to gather before heading off together on road training;

• Condition assessments have been carried out by Council on the buildings and playing

surfaces. The park infrastructure has not been assessed;

5


• The soccer pavilion has recently been updated and temporary portables installed as a

change facility for the soccer club. The baseball/little athletics pavilion was upgraded 4

years ago. No other works are planned pending the development of the masterplan;

• Developments around the Reserve that have implications for the masterplan are as

follows:

− A 56 unit retirement village is to be developed across Edithvale Rd;

− A 17 unit development is proposed for the site next to the Bowling Club across

Edithvale Road.

• Preliminary suggestions on improvements to the Reserve are as follows:

– The buildings should be consolidated, if feasible. How this shared facility would run

needs to be made clear. A committee of management might be required;

– The ability to easily move through the Reserve needs to be improved. Currently, the

built infrastructure prevents people from walking directly through the Reserve;

– The southern entrance is not inviting with, for example, the high sides of the

velodrome acting as a visual and physical barrier.

6


SECTION THREE - LITERATURE REVIEW

3.1 Purpose of Review

This section presents the findings of the literature review. The purpose of the review was to

ensure that the masterplan’s recommendations were consistent with and took into consideration

the relevant recommendations, strategic directions and policy positions of previous Council

planning processes.

3.2 Documents

The following documents/files were reviewed:

• City of Kingston Council Plan 2005-2010;

• City of Kingston Open Space Strategy 2000;

• Open Space Strategy Part One: Issues and Strategies 2005;

• Feasibility Study for a Leisure Development in the Southern Area of the City of

Kingston 1999;

• Women in Sport – A Participation Study 2002;

• Youth Leisure Needs Study 2006;

• Kingston Bicycle Strategy June 2003 and Kingston Bicycle Network 5 Year Capital

works Program 2003 – 2008;

• Edithvale Recreation Reserve – Internal Stakeholder Meeting 2007.

Council’s Plan 2005-10

This Plan outlines Council’s key goals and objectives for the period 2005-2010. The goals and

objectives that have relevance to Edithvale Recreation Reserve are as follows:

Goals

• A safe and accessible environment with appropriate infrastructure assets that meet

community needs now and in the future;

• A sustainable green environment that enhances the appeal and quality of life in Kingston;

• A healthy and secure community.

7


Objectives

• Ensure pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular flow is safe and efficient;

• Establish open space amenities that are appropriate for all potential user groups;

• Maintain Kingston’s diverse environment, culture and building heritage;

• Create an environment in which people can feel safe.

City of Kingston Open Space Strategy 2000

The purpose of this Plan was to provide a long term strategic plan for the provision,

development and management of open space areas in Kingston. The Plan contains a series of

guiding principles for the management of open space. The principles most relevant to the

masterplan for Edithvale Recreation Reserve are as follows:

• Equity of access to open space will be considered in the location, character design and cost

of a venue;

• Any change to public open space will only be undertaken following adequate community

consultation;

• Reduction in open space provision will only occur if there is a compensatory enhancement

of other sites;

• A diverse array of open space will be provided;

• Open space will be managed at a standard appropriate to its use and purpose;

• The development and management of open space will be used to contribute to the quality

of the built environment, protect heritage and strengthen cultural values;

• Open space will be enhanced through planning actions that integrate, consolidate and add

to existing and future provision;

• The capacity of existing open space resources will be appropriately used before additional

resources are provided;

• Where appropriate, open space development and management will use innovative

approaches in order to meet changing community needs and environmental circumstances;

• Community involvement in the management, planning and development of open space

will be enhanced;

• The development of open space will respond to the needs and aspirations of the

community.

8


The open space assessments and recommendations included in the Open Space Plan were

undertaken on a local area basis. Edithvale Recreation Reserve is located in Area 6. The findings

and recommendations relating to Area 6 which have general or specific implications for the

Reserve Masterplan are as follows:

• Local Area 6 has relatively high populations of older people and mature families. It is

anticipated that these populations will increase significantly over the next 10 years;

• Local Area 6 is a retirement precinct where there is high demand for passive recreation

active such as bowling and walking along the beach;

• Local Area 6 lacks regional/district level open space areas;

• There is potential to connect or enhance existing open spaces links along the secondary

drain from Patterson River, through Bicentennial Park, Edithvale – Seaford Wetlands

and onto Braeside Park;

• Cycling/walking tracks should be enhanced by linking up major foreshore activity nodes

and significant recreation nodes in the local area;

• A better balance between active and passive opportunities needs to achieved;

• The athletics facility and cycling track at Edithvale Recreation Reserve should be

enhanced;

• 2 local area playgrounds should be developed in Area 6 following an assessment of Roy

Dore Reserve, the eastern playground at Edithvale Reserve and Anthony Crescent

Reserve.

Open Space Strategy Evaluation Part One: Issues and Strategies 2005

This document builds on the Open Space Strategy (2000). The Strategy contains a

comprehensive analysis of the values and functions of open space types in Kingston, adequacy of

open space in each local area; diversity of opportunities within the network of open space

available for recreation; urban design solutions to maximise the use of open space; and the

impact of Melbourne 2030 and Council’s Residential Strategy on open space provision.

The Strategy classified individual parcels of open space by their catchment, function and setting.

Edithvale Recreation Reserve was classified as a district level facility whose function is sport and

visual amenity and setting is lawn, turf/open grassy area and tree plantation.

The Strategy contains a number of principles, objectives and recommendations which have

relevance to the redevelopment of Edithvale Recreation Reserve. These are as follows:

9


Sport

• Ensure open space areas with a sports function are able to support viable clubs, in

particular ensure that a single pavilion is supported by multiple playing fields;

• Council should support sports clubs that are prepared to initiate moves to enhance their

growth and development;

• Where further residential growth is occurring adjacent to existing sports grounds,

Council should consider expanding smaller sites to make them more viable.

Walking and Off Road Trails

• Create circuits for exercise by linking up existing off road paths, open spaces and

corridors;

• Develop further trails along linear open spaces;

• Create a hierarchy of trails to serve cycling, skating, running, wheel chair users and

children’s activities;

• Create a safe connection to an off-road trail within about 400m of every house;

• Create perimeter circuits around the perimeter of large parks.

Access for People with a Disability

• In all development, ensure all furniture entries, play facilities, water and sports facilities

are accessible;

• Consider providing more parks with sensory stimuli;

• Ensure that the degree of accessibility and availability of appropriate facilities is well

advertised and promoted;

• Remove barriers and retrofit for accessibility;

• Provide a hierarchy of parks and play equipment areas reflecting a degree of

complexity/play value and challenge as well as a degree of accessibility;

• Provide better opportunities for people with a disability to participate in community life

through universal good design, rather than the provision of specialised or segregated

settings;

• For all parks, investigate basic ways of increasing accessibility into the park, to play

equipment and a range of activities and to social opportunities for children to interact

with others.

10


Playgrounds

• Diversify play experiences and landscape setting types where two playgrounds are close

to each other;

• Ensure diversity of play spaces that cater for ages and abilities.

Social Family Recreation

• Ensure that an SFR space or play equipment is within 500 metres of each household.

Dog Exercising

• Provide an equitable distribution of off-leash exercising areas;

• Continue to monitor issues associated with animal management in open space.

Feasibility Study for a Leisure Development in the Southern Area of the City of Kingston 1999

The aim of this study was to provide a long term strategic plan for the provision and

management of leisure opportunities and/or facilities in the southern area (including Edithvale)

taking into account the needs of the local community. The study found/recommended that:

• The southern area has a high proportion of leisure resources located centrally between

Precinct 5 and 6;

• There are 20 facilities which have an active component. Pavilions and social facilities at

some reserves are in need of enhancement;

• Programs for youth, older adults and people with disabilities; bicycle paths/walking trails;

libraries and local parks were very important to residents;

• The residents wanted drinking fountains, rest areas and better standard amenities to be

provided along bike/walking tracks. They also wanted the tracks to be linked and lit;

• Future planning should focus on maintenance and enhancement of the existing facilities

Development of leisure facilities should be focussed in the identified “Recreation

Nodes” (areas where a number of facilities are grouped together - Edithvale Recreation

Reserve is considered to be a node). Linkages to and support amenities in the

“Recreation Nodes” should be upgraded where possible;

• Council should undertake a signage improvement program at all Council leisure facilities,

with signs designed to be consistent, eye-catching easy to read and informative;

11


• Council should develop and undertake a maintenance and enhancement program at

existing facilities, in association with clubs and community groups;

• Council should add value for the community through public and community art projects

at sporting, recreation and community facilities i.e. in the planning and design of

facilities, clubrooms, parks community centres etc;

• Council should identify appropriate linkages and develop these between the foreshore

“Activity Nodes” and the major inland “Recreation Nodes”, establish common

directional and interpretive signage along the links and give consideration to naming each

of the “Recreation Nodes”.

Women in Sport - A Participation Study 2002

This Study examined the levels of participation of males and females in sporting activities and the

leisure industry and the barriers which prevent participation. With respect to the sports played

at Edithvale Recreation Reserve, the study found the following participation levels:

• Athletics - male 58%/female 42% - compares favourably with State statistics;

• Baseball - males 86%/females 14%;

• Cycling tracks/velodrome - male 97%/female 3% (the cycling club noted that it attracted

a small group of female participants, but they often moved on to other clubs to find

more social contact or racing that was at their level);

• Soccer - males 86%/females 14%.

The study also assessed the physical capacity of recreation facilities to provide for women’s sport.

With respect to Edithvale Recreation Reserve, it found that the soccer, cycling and

baseball/athletics pavilions did not have dedicated women’s change areas.

The recommendations emerging from the study that have relevance to the Edithvale Recreation

Reserve are:

• In designing new sports facilities or upgrading existing facilities, Council should ensure

that developments incorporate the needs of women and girls;

• Where the review of sporting facilities has shown that sporting resources are used

predominantly by males, Council should seek to encourage more female sports at these

venues;

12


• Council should offer incentives to sporting clubs to encourage participation by females,

people from non-English speaking backgrounds, older adults and people with disabilities;

• Council should work with sports clubs and other providers to assist them to offer more

flexible timing/scheduling of sporting activities which are better targeted to the needs of

women;

• Council should work with sporting clubs to increase participation of women and girls in

sporting activity by offering activities more suited to the needs of women;

• Sporting activities should be provided across all age ranges and at various levels,

regardless of skill.

Leisure Choices for Shift Workers Strategy 2003

The purpose of this Study was to identify ways of increasing the participation of shift workers in

recreation activities. The Study found that a high proportion of shift workers experienced

personal, social and medical problems and that participation in recreation activities helped to

lessen these problems. The Study made the following recommendations which have relevance to

Edithvale Recreation Reserve:

• Council should work with sporting clubs to develop leisure programming opportunities

for shift workers e.g. scheduling games and training at times suitable to shift workers;

• Council should seek interest from sporting clubs and their Associations for the trial of

midweek competitions;

• Council should trial a pilot program which encourages shift workers to participate in

recreation activities on the way to or home from work e.g. walking and jogging groups;

• Council should develop avenues for shift workers from CALDB to get access leisure

activities that are popular with their communities and are sensitive to their cultural and

settlement needs.

Youth Leisure Needs Study 2006

The aim of this Study was to identify the key issues relating to youth leisure needs in Kingston

and make recommendations to address these issues. The Study found that:

• Age, gender and cultural background can impact on leisure choices for young people;

• Young people desire more activities, including active and non active options;

13


• Barriers to participation include financial constraints, lack of facilities, lack of transport,

parental concerns and peer pressure;

• Intra personal constraints are powerful barriers to participation, including self esteem,

confidence and motivation.

The recommendations listed in the Study that have relevance to Edithvale Recreation Reserve

Masterplan are as follows:

• Council should directly support participation of young people in recreation by:

- providing leisure and recreation opportunities, including supporting existing services

and facilities to become more accessible to young people;

- Promoting a range of appealing, safe, accessible and affordable facilities that aim to

attract and cater for a diversity of young people within each local area;

- Involving young people in the planning and provision of recreation activities and

events by consulting with young people in the planning and design of public places

and facilities.

• Council should ensure that a focussed and co-ordinated approach is taken to the

provision of recreation opportunities for young people and raise the awareness of the

recreation community to the leisure needs and choices of young people.

Leisure Choices for Older Adults 2002

The aim of this Plan is to outline directions and actions to increase the participation of

Kingston’s older adults in recreation. The findings and recommendations of the Plan that have

relevance to Edithvale Recreation Reserve are as follows:

Findings

• The participation of older adults in recreation activities can substantially improve their

health and prolong their independent lifestyle;

• Older adults possess skills that could be very beneficial to smooth and successful running

of local recreation groups;

• Kingston has a diverse range of community infrastructure. This infrastructure needs to

be made more suitable, where appropriate, for older adult recreation e.g. seats and shelter

along walking paths;

14


• Kingston has an opportunity to take a lead in the development of innovative strategies to

engage older adults and facilitate their participation in activities across the City.

Recommendations

• Identify places to walk in each local area and nominate points of contact along the

walking circuits;

• Adopt the concept of ‘older adult friendly’ and ‘safe havens’ for older adult i.e. safe areas

where they may sit, use a toilet or use a phone;

• Review the provision of toilets across the City to increase the accessibility of toilets for

older adults and where toilets are provided ensure they are signed, open, clean, accessible

and gender specific;

• Consider the needs of older adults in accessing community and sporting facilities as part

of the Disability Action Plan;

• Continue to review the accessibility of pathways and community facilities.

Kingston Bicycle Strategy June 2003 and Kingston Bicycle Network 5 Year Capital Works Program 2003 –

2008

The purpose of the Bicycle Strategy is to outline a framework for the management of Kingston

Bicycle Network. The Strategy divides the network into 4 categories:

• Principal Bicycle Network (PTN) – network of arterial on road bicycle routes

developed and managed by VicRoads;

• Metropolitan Trail Network (MTN) – network of recreational bicycle routes, mostly

off road, but with some road reservation links, with management of implementation

primarily by Parks Victoria in partnership with local Councils and VicRoads;

• Local Bicycle Network (LTN) – local network of road reservation and off-road trails

that provide local links between the MTN and PTN, managed and implemented by the

relevant municipal council;

• Bay Trail – a component of the MTN.

The Strategy provides a map of the network and outlines the works that will be undertaken on

the local network over the next 5-10 years. The map shows that Edithvale Recreation Reserve is

not directly linked to the bicycle network. However, it also indicates that the on-road network

on Springvale Rd begins about 100 metres to the north west of the Reserve and links to a major

15


north-south path about 400 metres from the Reserve. This makes the Reserve highly accessible

by bike, which is critical because of the velodrome located in the Reserve.

Playground Development Strategy 2003

The Study outlines a strategy for the management and provision of playgrounds in the City of

Kingston. The objectives of the strategy are to:

• Review existing playgrounds and standard of equipment in these playgrounds;

• Review level of usage and level of demand for playgrounds in each local area;

• Recommend a hierarchy of playground facilities;

• Recommend strategies to ensure the efficient and effective use of funds allocated to

maintain playgrounds, play equipment and associated amenities;

• Outline principles and guidelines for the future planning and management of

playgrounds in the City with a focus on improving the diversity of playground provision.

The findings of the Strategy that have relevance to Edithvale Recreation Reserve are as follows:

• There are 13 playgrounds in Local Area 6, of which 9 are seen to be essential for the

creation of a hierarchy of district, local and neighbourhood playgrounds;

• No regional playgrounds are proposed for the precinct. There is need for an additional

neighbourhood playground in the area;

• The playground at Edithvale Recreation Reserve is a neighbourhood level facility. The

playground should incorporate at least one shelter/shade area; a minimum of 1 table and

seats for picnics; socialising etc; two seats (3-seaters) for supervising parents in close

proximity to the play area and with clear sightlines; and limited landscaping and planting

to enhance the amenity of the site.

Edithvale Recreation Reserve Master Plan – Internal Stakeholder Analysis 2007

Council officers involved in the management of the Reserve were asked to indicate any special

issues that the Edithvale Recreation Reserve should address. Their comments were as follows:

• The opportunity to incorporate stormwater reuse should be considered. No engineering

investigation has been undertaken to date;

16


• The capacity of Council’s drainage system along Fraser Rd has been investigated as part

of the 'Flood Mitigation Strategy'. The pipe has been identified as being in need of

replacement (low priority $2.5m project);

• The need for a linear park linking Hughes Ave and Randall Ave to Golf Course/

Edithvale Recreation Reserve bicycle path precinct should be reviewed;

• The need for facilities/spaces for community events/festivals should be investigated;

• There currently is no off leash dog areas in Edithvale. The feasibility of providing a dog

off leash area at the Reserve should be investigated.

3.3 Implications of Review for Masterplan

The implications of the literature review for the masterplan are as follows:

• The Council Plan contains key directions and actions which should be considered in the

development of the Edithvale Recreation Reserve masterplan. These are: enhancing

safety, ensuring open space areas are provided with suitable amenities and sustaining

Kingston’s diverse environment;

• The general principles outlined in the Open Space Strategies 2000 and 2005 should

underpin the design and management of the Reserve. The general recommendations in

the Strategies relating to the design of open space areas and the specific

recommendations about Local Area 6 and Edithvale Recreation Reserve should be

considered in the development of the masterplan;

• The findings/recommendations of the ‘Leisure Development in the Southern Area

Study’ relating to public art, signage improvements and the maintenance and enhancing

of existing facilities should be considered for inclusion in the masterplan;

• The capacity and suitability of the Reserve to provide recreation opportunities for shift

workers, youth, women and older adults should also be reviewed in the masterplan;

• The playground at the Reserve should be assessed against the design standards outlined

in the Playground Strategy. The playground should be enhanced if it does meet the

standards;

• The special issues raised by Council staff about the Reserve should be addressed in the

masterplan. In particular, the provision of a dog off-leash area should be given serious

consideration.

17


SECTION FOUR - LEISURE TRENDS/ DEMOGRAPHICS

4.1 Introduction

The purpose of this section was to analyse relevant leisure and demographic trends and discuss

their implications for the future use of Edithvale Recreation Reserve. The information contained

in this section was collected from Council records and reports, leisure journals, ABS publications

and interviews with Council staff and representatives of peak sporting associations.

4.2 Leisure Trends

There are a number of general leisure trends which should be taken into consideration in the

masterplan. These are as follows:

General Leisure Trends - Informal recreation

• Demand for leisure activities which require minimal effort and commitment is

increasing. There is also a growing interest in environment related activities such as

hiking and bush walking;

• More people are choosing to recreate in informal and unstructured ways. As a

consequence, activities such as recreational cycling, jogging and walking in parks for

exercise and pleasure are becoming more prevalent;

• The rate of pet ownership, particularly as companion animals for older adults, is

increasing. Exercising dogs in parks etc has become a more popular activity;

• The popularity of activities that families can participate in together such as social tennis,

picnicking, and similar outdoor activities continues to grow;

• Adult participation in structured recreation on weekends is significantly declining. This

appears to be caused by an increase in the time that men and women work on weekends,

men spend caring for children and undertaking their hobbies, and men and women

spend attending entertainment and cultural venues;

• Generally, adults are remaining fitter and more active until later in life. This is leading to

an increased participation in veteran's sports and more frequent use of open space areas

for walking, relaxation and social activities.

18


Active sport (confined to sports played at Edithvale Recreation Reserve)

Soccer

• Football Federation Victoria (FFV) manages the major senior and junior soccer

competitions in Melbourne. Currently there are 26 levels of competition (including

masters, men’s, women’s, boys, girls and rooball. The number of players registered to

compete in the metropolitan competitions run by FFV has increased by 13% over the

past 3 years. The largest proportional increases have occurred in 18 year old women’s

(+75%) and junior girls (+76%);

Table 1 – Player numbers: FFV

2003 2004 2005 2006 +/- % change

Senior Men 5,995 6,088 6,284 6,573 578 10

Senior Women 907 934 961 1,014 107 12

18 Year Old Men 529 500 501 633 104 20

18 Year Old Women

111 114 98 194 83 75

Junior Boys 10,269 10,867 11,001 11,254 985 10

Junior Girls 1,787 2,648 2,944 3,152 1,365 76

Rooball Boys 5,984 5,580 5,065 5984 0 0

Rooball Girls 375 511 513 523 148 39

Total 25,957 27,242 27,467 28,205 3,370 13

Source - FFV registrations

• FFV indicates that player numbers have increased in all regions of Melbourne. The

largest increases have occurred in the south/south-eastern suburbs (which includes

Kingston and the Edithvale Area), particularly in juniors;

• VicSoccer runs the amateur soccer competition (a senior men’s competition). The

number of players competing in VicSoccer fell from 2200 in 2000 to 1800 in 2006.

VicSoccer predicts that number will increase in future years. 1900 players have

registered for 2007.

Baseball

• Baseball is played in both summer and winter. The summer competition is run by

Baseball Victoria and the winter competitions by affiliated organisations. Chelsea

Baseball Club (the club based at Edithvale Recreation Reserve), plays in both the winter

and summer competitions;

19


• Baseball is strong in Victoria and Melbourne compared to other states and capital cities.

Baseball is predominantly played by males with a reasonably even split between juniors

and seniors. Team numbers in the senior men’s and junior boys summer comps have

increased slightly across Victoria over the past five years (now 110 teams). Women’s

teams have fallen by 4 to 24 teams over the same period;

• Baseball Victoria anticipates that player numbers will grow steadily over the next 10

years. A new national competition is about the start and experience has shown that local

player numbers jump when national competitions are operating.

Little Athletics

• Little athletics peaked in popularity in the 1980s. It then declined until around 1997 but

has been increasing since then. 1n 1999/2000, there were 21000 little athletes in

Victoria. In 2006/7, there were 24000. It is anticipated that numbers will continue

gradually increase.

Road and Track Cycling

• Participant numbers in both road and track cycling have increased significantly over the

past few years at both club and recreational level. Cycling is particularly popular with the

youth and veterans age groups. Its popularity with girls and women is strong.

4.3 Demographics

Table 2 provides population projections for the combined Edithvale, Aspendale and Chelsea

Heights areas (the suburbs around the Reserve). An analysis of the projections indicates the

following:

• The total population will increase by 939 or 5% between 2007 and 2021;

• The 0-9, 30-39 and 40-49 years age cohorts will decrease. The largest decrease will occur

in the 30-39 age cohort (-214 people);

• The other age cohorts will increase, in particular the 50-59, 60-69 and 70-79 age cohorts

which will increase by 17%, 24%, and 35% respectively;

• The sub junior age cohorts (5-9 years) will decline by around 450 people, the junior age

cohort (10-19) years will increase by 6 people and the senior age cohort (20-39 years) will

decline by around 60 people. If participation rates remain the same, these figures suggest

that the demand for the little athletics facility will decline significantly and for the soccer

20


and baseball facilities will remain about the same. The increasing elderly population will

increase demand for passive spaces and for veterans’ sports like the veterans’ cycling

club;

Table 2 – Population Projections (Edithvale, Chelsea Heights, Aspendale combined)

Forecast years

Age cohorts 2007 2013 2021 +- %+-

0 to 9 2253 2046 2055 -198 -9

10 to 19 2260 2319 2266 6 0

20 to 29 1772 1803 1935 163 9

30 to 39 2608 2313 2394 -214 -8

40 to 49 2857 2887 2785 -72 -3

50 to 59 2235 2427 2614 379 17

60 to 69 1696 1915 2100 404 24

70 to 79 1102 1248 1485 383 35

80+ 640 687 728 88 14

Total 17423 17645 18362 939 5

4.4 Implications for Masterplan

The implications of these leisure trends and demographics for the masterplan are as follows:

• The ageing of the local community and the growing popularity of activities such as

walking for exercise and strolling will place increased demand on the passive areas of

Edithvale Recreation Reserve. This will heighten the need for improvements to the

passive areas, such as the construction of pathways, installation of park furniture and

provision of shade and shelter;

• The participation trends for the sports played at the Reserve suggest that demand for all

the facilities may increase with soccer and cycling experiencing the biggest rises. These

trends in demand need to be considered when developing the masterplan and making

decisions about the priority of works.

21


SECTION FIVE - THE RESERVE

5.1 Introduction

The purpose of this section is to outline the open space context and the occupancy, maintenance

and management arrangements at Edithvale Recreation Reserve.

5.2 Open Space Context

5.2.1 Location, components and nearby reserves

Edithvale Recreation Reserve is a 7ha park located in Edithvale Rd, Edithvale (see Map 1). The

Park is predominantly an active sporting reserve. It comprises a playground, picnic area,

velodrome, grass athletics track and field stations which are inside the velodrome, 2 soccer fields

(one inside the athletics track), a baseball field, a main pavilion for athletics and baseball, a soccer

clubhouse, a set of portable change rooms for soccer, a cycling clubhouse and an equipment shed

for little athletics.

5 other parcels of open space are located within 1 km of the Park. These include the Rossdale

Golf Club (1) Edithvale Seaford Wetlands (2 and 5), Edithvale Common (3) and Chelsea Public

Golf Course.

Map 1 – Location of Reserve and nearby open space areas

2

1

5

3

2

4

22


The nearby reserves are used for the following purposes:

Table 3 – Nearby reserves

Reserve Function

1 Rossdale Golf Club

Private member’s only golf course

2 Edithvale Seaford Wetlands

Conservation area/retarding basin. Venue for passive recreation with walking/bicycle path

3 Edithvale Common District park for active/passive activities – active sports, walking, picnicking, relaxing and informal play

4 Chelsea Public Golf Course

Public golf course

5

Bowls Club Public bowling club

5.2.2 Proximity of like facilities

As indicated in section 5.2.1, the Reserve accommodates a playground, picnic/BBQ area,

velodrome, grass athletics track and field stations, soccer fields and baseball field. The closest

venues which accommodate one of more of these elements are as follows:

Table 4 – Proximity of like facilities

Facility Location Distance from Edithvale Recreation Reserve

Baseball

Bicentennial Reserve, Chelsea

2kms

Athletics track

Dolomore Reserve, Mentone (synthetic track)

8kms

Soccer fields

Chadwick Reserve, Dingley 5kms

Velodrome

Carnegie 18kms

5.3 Occupancy and Maintenance Arrangements

Occupancy

The occupancy arrangements between Council and the clubs using Edithvale Recreation Reserve

are as follows:

Table 5 – Occupancy arrangements

Organisation Arrangement Start Duration Expires

Chelsea Soccer Club – Building Lease 1/6/1991 10 years Expired on 2/3/2001

23


Organisation Arrangement Start Duration Expires

Chelsea Soccer Club – Playing fields

Seasonally allocated

N/A Annual N/A

Chelsea Peninsula Cycling Club - Building

Proposed lease that was never finalised

1/1/2002 10 years 31/12/2007

Chelsea Edithvale Little Athletics Centre – Athletics facilities

Seasonal allocation N/A Annual N/A

Chelsea Baseball Club – Baseball facilities

Seasonal allocation N/A Annual N/A

Management and Maintenance

Management and maintenance arrangement at the Reserve are as follows:

Table 6 – Management and maintenance responsibilities

Organisation/Unit

Tasks

KCC Leisure Planning Department Allocation of sports fields and pavilions Monitoring compliance with seasonal allocation agreements Inspection of facilities Facilities planning and development ( inc. capital development submissions)

KCC Parks and Urban Design Department

Maintenance of sports fields and passive areas Maintenance of trees Maintenance of car parks and paths Maintenance of park furniture and fencing Removal of litter

KCC Building Facilities Department

Maintenance of buildings Maintenance of access roads and car parks Maintenance of training lights

KCC Property Services Unit Management of leases

User Groups

Compliance with terms of their leases and seasonal agreements relating to maintenance

24


SECTION SIX - EXISTING CONDITIONS

6.1 Introduction

This section describes the condition of the various component areas of and facilities at the

Reserve from a structural, landscape character/design and horticultural quality perspective. The

assessment has been made from inspections of the component facilities by the consultant team,

discussions with Council officers and Reserve users and reference to condition reports already

undertaken by Council.

6.2 Condition Assessment

Boundary Fencing

The boundary fencing consists of a few different types:

• North boundary – the Edithvale Road frontage is lined by timber bollards that are in

good condition. These are situated in the nature strip rather than in the Reserve;

• West boundary – the Bridges Avenue frontage is lined by low treated pine log barriers.

They look dated but generally are in reasonable condition;

• South boundary – the Fraser Avenue frontage is also lined by low treated pine log

barriers. They also look dated but generally are in reasonable condition. There is also a

length of 1100mm high black cyclone mesh fence adjacent to the play area that is in

good condition;

• East boundary – the east boundary (alongside the Golf Course between Fraser Avenue

and Edithvale Road) is lined by a very tall cyclone mesh fence which is in good

condition.

Entrance to the Reserve

The only vehicular entrance to the Reserve is midway on its northern boundary off Edithvale Rd.

An asphalt road provides vehicle access to the soccer pavilion and social rooms, the baseball

pavilion, the playing fields, athletics track and velodrome. The entrance is not well defined or

obvious travelling along Edithvale Road, particularly from the east.

There are no clearly identified or defined pedestrian entry points and the Reserve can be accessed

on foot from any point on its boundary, with the exception of the eastern boundary which

adjoins the Chelsea Public Golf Course. Once in the Reserve, however, there are no clear

circulation routes or orientation within the Reserve

25


Car parks and access roads

Car parking is currently available in one area of the Reserve along the main vehicular access road,

with the capacity for 43 cars. Off road parking is provided around the Reserve in the following

four areas:

• Edithvale Road - a sealed car park with 90 degree angle parking accessed directly from

Edithvale Road with capacity for about 16 cars;

• Bridges Avenue - three gravel car parks with angle parking accessed directly from Bridges

Avenue with capacity for about 10, 16 and 35 cars each;

• Fraser Avenue - informal areas with a grass surface and trees providing 90 degree angle

parking accessed directly off Fraser Avenue with capacity for approximately 40 cars.

In addition, there is a formal car park associated with the Chelsea Public Golf Course to the

south west of the Reserve.

Picnic Areas/Playgrounds

There is no picnic area within the Reserve. There are two barbeques constructed from bluestone

pitchers to the north and south of the baseball pavilion. The southern barbeque is tucked away

and hidden by part of the Melaleuca armillaris hedge.

The playground is located to the south of the Reserve approximately midway along the southern

boundary. The playground equipment is limited in the interest and range of experience it would

provide to children. There is no shade provision to the play area and one seat has been provided,

but its relevance is somewhat lost in its placement.

Sports Fields

The Reserve has two main sports field areas, largely defined by the mounding of the velodrome.

There is a junior soccer pitch and baseball diamond to the west and the velodrome area to the

east with a senior soccer pitch and field athletics area in the middle.

Senior soccer is played on the pitch within the velodrome on Saturdays during winter and the

Little Athletics club utilise the area for field sports on Saturdays during the summer. Baseball is

played on Sundays in both summer and winter, and junior, women’s and veteran’s soccer is

played on the soccer fields on Sundays in winter. The fields are also used mid week for training

by the above sports and by schools for interschool sport and physical education activities.

26


Athletics Track

The grass athletics tracks is maintained in a good condition and is used, along with the field

sports area, by the Chelsea Little Athletics Club for competition on Saturdays during the summer

months and for training during the week. Local schools also use the athletics facilities for their

school sports.

Velodrome

The velodrome is maintained in a good condition. It is an unusual size due to the requirement

that an athletics track be incorporated inside. The velodrome is open to the public and is used

for regular training by the Chelsea Peninsula Cycling Club and Southern Veterans Cycling Club.

Irrigation

The soccer and baseball field are irrigated by an automated spray system.

Grass cover surface

At the time of inspection in March 2007, the grass cover on the junior soccer pitch was very

patchy and bare. The baseball diamond had a good cover of kikuyu grass in spite of the drought

The athletics track had a good grass cover but the field sports area/senior soccer pitch had

significant bare patches, generally to the western half and an area of good grass cover generally to

the eastern half (note: as the study progressed through winter, the kikuyu cover reduced in vigour

and winter grass – poa annua – took over large areas).

Trees

There are large, mature trees along the northern, eastern and southern boundaries of the Reserve,

and a windrow of Melaleuca armillaris through the centre of the Reserve. The boundary plantings

are of various species, predominantly Cupressus and Eucalyptus and the trees are in varying

conditions. Some were observed to be in poor condition and need to be examined by an arborist

so that their condition may be assessed and appropriate works carried out to either maintain the

trees for the long term or remove those deemed to be a risk.

The windrow of Melaleuca armillaris to the south of the pavilion, defines the velodrome, which in

some respects is counterproductive to opening up the area to provide safe and legible pedestrian

connectivity in a north south direction through the Reserve. Some thinning and uplifting of the

lower canopies of these trees will create a greater surveillance of the central area.

27


Tower lighting/training lighting

There are lights attached to the baseball pavilion, 2 illuminating the baseball diamond, and 2

illuminating the western side of the velodrome and athletics track. There are also two light

towers within the velodrome. There is one training light to the western end of the senior soccer

pitch.

Built Facilities

The built facilities at the Reserve comprise:

• The main pavilion (Little Athletics and Baseball) constructed of precast concrete block

work. It has meeting rooms, male and female toilets, kitchen and licensed bar facility.

There are no female change rooms and the change area for males is basic. The external

appearance of the pavilion is drab and further diminished by the caged off area to the

west side;

• The soccer pavilion - a 1950s cream brick building with social facilities. Each Friday

evening special meals are served from the kitchen;

• Soccer change rooms in 2 portable buildings located to the immediate west side of the

access road;

• The cycling clubhouse - a 1950s cream brick building;

• The toilet block close to Edithvale Road.

Council has recently audited the condition of the main pavilion, soccer pavilion and cycling

clubhouse. The relevant findings of the audit are as follows:

Main pavilion

• Pavilion is visually unattractive. It requires major external maintenance;

• The viewing area at the front is cluttered and used for storage;

• Facility was renovated in 2004. It is structurally sound and there is no sign of

movement. Disability access was improved as part of the renovation.

Soccer pavilion

• Pavilion is visually unattractive;

• Pavilion is well maintained and in a sound structural condition;

• Disability access is poor.

28


29

Cycling Clubhouse

• Clubhouse is visually unattractive and looks unused. It is structurally sound but poorly

maintained;

• The velodrome cannot be viewed from the clubhouse. Disability access is poor.

Signage/security lighting

There is one sign addressing park regulations at the northern vehicular entry to the Reserve.

However, given the open and permeable nature of the Reserve’s boundaries, dog walkers and

other users from the surrounding residential areas could enter the Reserve and see no signage

regarding the park regulations.

There are two lights within the car park and one by the play area. Otherwise the lighting is

restricted to the street lighting along Edithvale Road and the sports ground training lights.

Park furniture

There are two painted steel seats with a dated appearance near the play area. There are two

bluestone barbeques to either end of the main pavilion. These are subject to vandalism, and the

one on the southern side is not positioned in a visible location.

6.3 Summary

The condition assessment indicated that the Reserve has the following deficiencies which should

be addressed in the masterplan.

• The treated pine log barriers should be updated;

• Pedestrian connectivity and orientation within the Reserve is poor;

• There is no picnic area to encourage informal or passive use of the Reserve at times

when it is not being used as a sporting facility;

• The grass cover on the senior soccer pitch was very poor over the summer;

• Several of the trees in the boundary planting were observed to be in poor condition. An

arborist inspection is recommended;

• There is inadequate security lighting, particularly to the middle of the Reserve, at times

when training and sport is not being played;

• The external appearance of the built facilities and the condition of the cycling clubhouse

needs to be enhanced.

reation Reserve Masterplan Final Report

30

Map 2 – Issues and Opportunities Plan

Edithvale Rec


Edithvale Recreation Reserve is the home of, and well used by a number of sporting clubs. The Chelsea Little

Athletics Club, the Chelsea Baseball Club, the Chelsea Soccer Club, and the Chelsea Peninsula Cycling Club all

train and compete at the Reserve. The Southern Veterans Cycling Club trains on the Reserve’s velodrome, but do

not have a home base and would like to establish their base at the Reserve. The Reserve is running at full capacity

and other alternative venues need to be found, particularly to accommodate both junior and senior soccer teams.

Heavy wear and tear on turf, spread out and duplicated facilities/rooms, limited car parking and vehicle ingress

and egress problems create pressure on the Reserve. The car parking areas and facilities require improvement.

Provision of shade trees and a greater range of play equipment would improve the function and amenity of the

existing play area.

31


32

A number of large trees to the perimeter of the Reserve are in need of replacement and the masterplan nominates

areas and species for replacement. Two sides of the reserve are adjacent to residential areas. The visual

presentation of the Reserve can be greatly enhanced by the establishment of canopy trees.

Facilities for sporting clubs are dated and with the exception of the Soccer Club’s social rooms, are poorly presented.

A major outcome of the Study is the recommendation to remove the existing centrally located single storey pavilion

and replace it with a two storey pavilion with shared storage and social facilities.


SECTION SEVEN - CONSULTATION

7.1 Introduction

The purpose of the consultation process was to identify:

• What key stakeholders (Council, users, residents, etc) consider to be the physical

deficiencies at the Reserve;

• The viability of the users clubs in terms of financial and administration capacity and

current and predicted player numbers;

• The sports development plans and facility needs of the user clubs;

• The improvements that the key stakeholders consider should be undertaken at the

Reserve over the next five to ten years.

7.2 Council Departments

7.2.1 Recreation Unit

Officers from Council’s Recreation Unit were asked to indicate what they consider to be the

Reserve’s deficiencies and what works are needed. Their comments were as follows:

• Better directional signage to the Reserve is required;

• The playground is reasonably basic and poorly located;

• The picnic/social area is also poorly located and maintained;

• It is difficult to walk through the Reserve off the playing fields. The area between the

sports fields is obstructed by buildings, trees and BBQs;

• The Reserve does not encourage walking. There are no through or perimeter paths;

• The Reserve has too many buildings. They should be consolidated if feasible;

• The cycling track and clubhouse are not being optimally used;

• Carparking and vehicle movement in the Reserve is a problem, particularly when

concurrent activities are being held;

• The soccer club is growing and needs access to more fields. The feasibility of providing

an additional field soccer field in the Reserve should be explored;

• The main soccer field get heavily used and as a result the ground surface gets damaged,

particularly in the centre of the field and near the goals;

33


• There are only 2 training lights over the main soccer playing field. More may be needed

to enable the soccer training load to be spread out;

• The entrances to the Reserve are not highly visible or inviting;

• Views through the Reserve are obstructed, sometimes unnecessarily by trees, buildings

and the velodrome.

The Officers also advised that Council would not allow a higher grade of men’s senior soccer

competition to be played at the Reserve (i.e. Premier League or State League Division 1). They

indicated that the Reserve was not an appropriate location for this level of soccer from a facility

standard and residential amenity perspective.

7.2.2 Property Services

Council’s Assets Management Analyst was asked to comment on the condition of the built

facilities in the Reserve and indicate what improvements/changes he thought were necessary.

His comments were as follows:

• The main pavilion and soccer club house are in good structural condition and are well

maintained. Their external appearance is unattractive. The cycling club needs upgrade

and is visually unappealing;

• If feasible, it would be better in the long term for these facilities to be replaced by a

central integrated facility which provides for all the user clubs. This facility could offer

both shared and dedicated spaces for the clubs;

• The benefits of a consolidated, central facility are that the building would be optimally

used and space would be freed up in the Reserve for other purposes.

7.2.3 Landscape design

Council’s Landscape Architect was asked to indicate her concerns about the Reserve and what

improvements are needed. Her comments were as follows:

Concerns

• The Reserve is dominated by spaces for active recreation. There is little space for

passive activities;

• There is little vegetation and what there is, lacks diversity;

34


• There are too many buildings in the Reserve. The cycling and soccer buildings, the

portable change rooms and the public toilets on Edithvale Road are unattractive and

block views into the Reserve. The main pavilion and velodrome are also unattractive

and obstruct views through the Reserve;

• The playground is reasonably basic and poorly landscaped. Its needs expansion, redesign

and relocation;

• Access and circulation for vehicles and pedestrians are difficult;

• The BBQ/picnic area is hidden away and in poor condition. Whilst its location is

suitable for the clubs using the main pavilion, it is not suitable for general use by

residents;

• Residents are not encouraged to walk through or around the Reserve because of

obstructions such as the buildings and the lack of pathways.

Suggested improvements

• Generally make the Reserve more welcoming to informal users. Define spaces for

passive recreation and enhance these spaces with landscaping and park furniture;

• Provide more vegetation;

• Investigate scope to expand, diversify and relocate the play facility;

• Enhance the BBQ and picnic facilities and relocate to a position which caters more

effectively for local residents;

• Protect and enhance view lines through the Reserve;

• Establish a path network in the Reserve.

7.2.4 Parks and Urban Design Staff

Parks Staff were asked to indicate what improvements were needed at the Reserve. Their

comments were as follows:

• The current maintenance regimes for the playing fields, carpark and velodrome are

satisfactory. Obviously, the grass surfaces have deteriorated as a result of the water

restrictions but recent aeration has improved their condition. The user clubs appear to

be happy with the maintenance regimes and understand the difficulties the water

restrictions are causing;

• The bollards on the boundary of the Reserve are near the roads. They should be

relocated to the Reserve side of the footpath;

35


• More seats should be provided in the Reserve;

• The Reserve would be a good location for some advanced tree planting. A tree audit has

recently been undertaken which has identified the trees that should be removed;

• Pathways are needed in the Reserve.

7.2.5 Traffic Planner

Council’s Traffic Planner was asked to advise:

• Whether there were any traffic related works proposed for roads around the Reserve;

• Whether there were problems relating to traffic in and around the Reserve;

• Whether she would be concerned about any increase in activity in the Reserve that could

result in higher traffic volumes;

• Possible solutions to the problems experienced by cars entering and exiting the Reserve

during busy periods.

Her comments were as follows:

• Council has received some complaints about cars travelling too fast around the bend in

Fraser Avenue near the playground. The complaints are being investigated;

• It would be concerning if the activities in the Reserve caused traffic and carparking

problems in the neighbouring residential streets. She said that careful consideration

should be given to any recommendations that may have an impact on neighbourhood

amenity;

• Potential solutions to the problems at the entrance are widening the entrance and

inserting a right hand turning lane into Edithvale Rd and installing a left hand turning

land into the Reserve on Edithvale Road (for cars travelling in the direction of the

beach).

7.2.6 Town Planning

Council’s Town Planner was asked whether there would be concerns, from a town planning

perspective, if the masterplan for the Reserve recommended or resulted in the following:

• Increases in the number of spectators watching sport at the Reserve, the amount of

traffic around the Reserve and the numbers of cars parking in residential streets;

• The erection of training lights around the secondary soccer fields;

• The construction of larger and/or a 2 storey pavilion.

36


The Planner advised that the Reserve was zoned public park and recreation and was covered by a

‘land subject to inundation’ overlay. This meant that works proposed for the Reserve which

involved new structures or expansion of existing structures would require planning permits. This

would include the erection of floodlights, the relocation and/or replacement of the playground

and redevelopment/extension of the pavilion.

The Planner stated that there may be concerns, from a neighbourhood amenity point of view, if

there was an increase in spectator numbers. The main concerns would be noise and traffic. He

suggested that the Reserve may not be a suitable location for higher grade soccer. With respect

to a large and/or 2 storey pavilion, he indicated that such a facility could be approved if it was in

character with the Reserve and attractive from a visual amenity perspective.

7.3 User clubs

Officials from the user clubs/management group were asked to provide information about the

following:

• The history of their club;

• Participant numbers and trends;

• The activities that the club participates in;

• The club’s future aims;

• Predictions about future participant numbers;

• The club’s facility needs;

• The viability of the club;

• How could facilities at the Reserve be improved (not just the club’s facilities).

• Any other matters they wanted to raise.

Their responses were as follows:

7.3.1 Chelsea Little Athletics Centre (CLAC)

• The Centre was formed in 1968 and has been at the Edithvale Reserve since 1969;

• Participant numbers were high in the 70s and 80s but have dropped off since as a result

of competition from other lower age junior sports such as milo cricket, basketball, netta

(netball) and tennis;

• Participant numbers are now steady at around 250 athletes per summer season.

Promotional programs in local schools run by CLAC and the Victorian Little Athletics

37


Association have arrested the decline in participants. Athletes are drawn from Aspendale

through to Carrum;

• The centre offers the full range of little athletics activities. Children from 5 to 15 years

can participate. The Victorian Little Athletics Association is proposing to expand this

age range to 4 to 18 years. If this occurs, membership numbers will increase;

• The activities that are held at the centre include the normal weekly training sessions and

competition, social activities, the annual open day which attracts around 350 athletes and

local school athletics training sessions and carnivals;

• The centre is viable. It has 3 internal clubs with strong committees. The overall centre

committee is active and holds regular monthly meetings. The centre has money in

Reserve;

• The club’s facility needs are:

– Repair of high jump aprons and surrounds;

– Installation of javelin run ups in conjunction with high jump apron;

– Replacement of broken discus ring;

– Provision of a central equipment shed;

– Lighting of the track (at least from the 200m mark)

– Various small concrete pads for start/finish lines areas.

• Suggested improvements for the remainder of the Reserve are as follows:

− Provide additional parking;

− Install an entrance gate;

− Improve the kitchen area and social rooms;

− Construct pathways to streets on eastern side of Reserve;

− Install roller shutters over windows in change rooms;

− Provide more paved areas;

− Provide more sheltered areas;

− Improved flood lighting of main playing field.

7.3.2 Southern Veterans’ Cycling Club

• The club was formed in 1975 and was the first veteran’s cycling club in Australia. It

started with 5 members and now has 450 and is reputedly the largest veterans’ club in

Australia. It anticipates that membership numbers will continue to rise in line with the

growing popularity of cycling. The club expects its membership numbers to increase to

540 in 2008. The club is strong - financially and socially;

38


• The club offers a very comprehensive race program which focuses on road and criterium

racing. It uses the track at Edithvale Recreation Reserve for training;

• The current focus of the club is to increase membership, particularly female riders, and

provide opportunities for track racing and training for riders;

• The club does not have a permanent base. It would like to establish this base at

Edithvale Recreation Reserve. This would allow the club to:

– Generally expand the opportunities available to members to train, compete and

socialise;

– Commence a junior development squad and offer coaching to local schools;

– Give young people the chance to be involved in an outdoor activity in a safe and

controlled environment;

– Initiate and coordinate a local bicycle user group for recreational cyclists;

– Offer cross training opportunities for other Reserve user groups;

– Host regional and state level championships.

• The club’s facility needs are access to changerooms, meeting/function rooms, kitchen

and toilets and lighting of the cycle track. The changerooms should be able to cater for

30 riders and the meeting/ functions area for around 60 people;

• Recommended works in the remainder of the Reserve are:

– Improving the carparking;

– Providing better public toilets;

– Improving pedestrian movement through the Reserve.

7.3.3 Chelsea Baseball Club

• The club was formed in 1983. It competes in both the summer and winter competitions

but its main focus is the summer competition. Its highest men’s team is in Division 3;

• In 1997/98, the club reached its peak in terms of player numbers. It had 4 senior men’s

2 women’s and 5 junior teams and 160 children in T-ball. In 2001, the Club was

struggling for players. It had 6 players for its winter team and had 2 senior summer

teams. Since 2001, the club has rebounded and now has 1 junior and 2 senior teams in

the winter competition and 3 men’s, 2 women’s and 2 junior teams in the summer

competition and 10 children wanting to play T-ball. The Club is confident that its player

numbers will continue to steadily rise and attributes the decline in 2001 to poor

administration;

• The club is strong socially and administratively and reasonably strong financially. In the

past it has contributed capital funds towards the redevelopment of the pavilion;

39


• The prospect of merging with other baseball clubs has previously been raised. The

merger would have involved the club losing its identity. It was not prepared to do this.

It wants to remain a separate viable club located at Edithvale Recreation Reserve;

• The club’s facility needs are as follows:

– Change rooms for women and bigger change areas for men;

– Umpires rooms;

– Improved kitchen;

– An externally accessible kiosk;

– Batting cages (modified so they could fit). These are urgently needed for safety

reasons;

– Elevated scorers’ area;

– Access to 2nd playing field.

• The club recognises that the soccer club located at Edithvale Recreation Reserve needs

access to more fields. The baseball club would be prepared to investigate the feasibility

of shifting the baseball playing field further to the south if this would allow space for a

second field on the east side of the Reserve.

7.3.4 Chelsea Soccer Club

• The club was formed in 1985 in Parkmore and relocated to Edithvale Recreation

Reserve in 1986. It originally shared the pavilion with baseball and little athletics but has

since moved its operation to the building adjacent to the entrance to the Reserve;

• The club has a growing playing membership of around 300 – 230 junior and 70 senior

players. It has 9 junior teams and 70 sub-juniors in the goal kick program. It has 3

men’s and 1 women’s team. The club could have larger members if it had access to

more playing fields. It estimates that it could field 3 more junior teams;

• The club’s top team competes in State League Division 2, the third highest level of

competition in metropolitan soccer. The clubs aspires to reach Division 1 and possibly

even Premier League;

• The Club holds all its training sessions at Edithvale Recreation Reserve. The fields are

used every weeknight. Competition is held over the weekends with seniors playing on

Saturday and the juniors, veterans and women playing on Sundays;

• The club’s facility needs are as follows:

– Access to a third playing field at Edithvale Recreation Reserve;

– Access to a pavilion with dedicated social rooms (equivalent or better than what

they have now) and permanent changerooms which properly service all the playing

fields;

40


– Improved training lights over the main and 2nd field;

– Temporary/permanent fence around the main playing field.

• The club was asked if it would be prepared to play at a second location if a third playing

field could not be provided at Edithvale Recreation Reserve. Its response was as

follows:

– Its preference is that all teams played at the one venue. If this is not possible at

Edithvale Recreation Reserve, it would be prepared to move all of its operation to

another site as long as the location, facilities and occupancy arrangements were

suitable;

– If it did have to play across two locations, its preference is that its senior men’s

teams play offsite and the juniors, veterans and women continue to play at

Edithvale Recreation Reserve. The offsite venue would have to offer high

standard playing and change facilities. The club would also need access to the bar

and kiosk on game days to allow it to raise revenue. The senior men’s teams would

continue to train at Edithvale.

• Recommended works for the remainder of the Reserve are:

– Improving the carparking;

– Improving pedestrian movement through the Reserve;

– Water conservation and recycling program.

7.3.5 Chelsea Peninsula Cycling Club

• The Club was formed in 1923 and is the second oldest cycling club in Victoria;

• The club currently has a stable membership of around 60. It intends to continue

operating well into the future;

• Competition is held on Saturday afternoon in summer and training occurs informally on

week nights. The club’s activities do not clash with other sports at the Reserve;

• The Club’s facility on Edithvale Rd is mainly used for storage and occasional meetings;

• The Club would like to have some space within a central pavilion. It would need a

dedicated storage area and access to changerooms, kitchen and meeting rooms (these

could be shared;

• Other suggested improvements are lights around the track, improved external social

areas and additional off street carparking. The club would be happy for its facility to be

pulled down to provide extra land for carparking.

41


7.4 Associations

The associations that the clubs playing at the Reserve participate in were asked to give their

impression of the facilities at Edithvale Recreation Reserve. Football Federation Victoria was

also asked to comment on its new facility grading system and competition plans. The comments

of the associations were as follows:

7.4.1 Baseball Victoria (runs the Summer Baseball Competition and is the peak body

for the sport)

• Chelsea is a strong, well run club with a long history. After a period of decline, it is now

building up its player numbers. It is expected that the Club will continue to operate well

into the future;

• The facilities at Edithvale Recreation Reserve are very good. The diamond and outfield

are in excellent condition and the pavilion is satisfactory;

• Chelsea’s venue lacks some facilities compared to some other baseball venues in the area.

These include batting cages, a second field and a home run fence. These facilities,

although considered desirable, are not essential and would only become important if the

Baseball Club was promoted to the top division (this is unlikely).

7.4.2 Dandenong Baseball Association (runs the local winter competition)

• The Dandenong Baseball Association concurs with Badminton Victoria’s assessment of

the strength of the Chelsea Club and the facilities at Edithvale Reserve;

• The Association holds it meetings and tribunal hearings in the pavilion at the Reserve.

Unfortunately, the Reserve cannot be used as a finals venue as it does not have a second

field.

7.4.3 Little Athletics Victoria

• The Chelsea-Edithvale Little Athletics Centre is a growing organisation with a sound

administration;

• The facilities at Edithvale Recreation Reserve are of a high standard, particularly the

track. Little Athletics supports the club’s facility requests, in particular a central storage

space, adequate outdoor shaded areas and the provision of an administration space

within the pavilion.

42


7.4.4 Cyclesport Victoria

• The Chelsea and Southern Vets Clubs are highly regarded by Cyclesport Victoria;

• The velodrome at Edithvale Reserve is a very important facility, particularly as a

training/recreation venue. It serves a large area of Southern Melbourne and the

Peninsula - the closest tracks being in Carnegie and Blackburn. In recent times, the

velodrome has become more important to the cycling community, with cyclists wanting

to get off road because of safety concerns (Cyclesport Victoria described the Edithvale

Velodrome it as a ‘safe haven’ for road cyclists). The longer than normal length of the

track also makes it very appealing to road cyclists for training;

• Cyclesport Victoria supports the Veteran Club’s request for access to facilities at the

Reserve. It said that the Edithvale Recreation Reserve would be an ideal location for

this growing club.

7.4.5 Football Federation Victoria

Chelsea Soccer Club and Facility Standards • Chelsea is a very strong club and one of the biggest clubs in Kingston. It is well run and

its junior numbers are increasing;

• The grounds and facilities are considered to be suitable. FFV would prefer that the

portable change areas be replaced with a permanent facility;

• FFV has recently stipulated facility standards for competition soccer venues. The

important elements of these standards are as follows:

- Venues are given a ‘Class’ rating which indicates the standard of competition that

can be held at the venue. For example, Premier League games are held at ‘A’

venues; Class A Premier League

Class B State League Division 1

Class C State League Division 2 and 3, Provisional League Division 1 and Women’s Premier League

Class D

Provisional League Division 2 and 3, Women’s State League and Thirds and Masters League

– Each class has a set of facility criteria or standards (see Table 7 on pages 47-50).

The higher the class, the higher the standard.

• FFV stipulates that:

− From the commencement of 2007 season, all venues hosting Premier League

games must comply with the Class A Criteria;

43


− From the commencement of the 2008 season, all venues hosting lower grade

games must comply with their relevant criteria. If the venues do not conform, the

clubs may be relegated to a grade that the FFV feels is appropriate;

− Dispensation can be granted if the clubs are upgrading their facilities.

• FFV’s immediate priority is to enforce the standards at venues used for Premier League

games; where clubs are seeking to move up a level (e.g. from Division 2 to Division 1);

or where new clubs are intending to play. In time, it will them at all venues;

• FFV will continue to fine tune the standards as required. The main emphasis will be on

providing good quality and secure facilities for players and officials and, in the higher

grades, enhancing spectator comfort (toilets, covered areas and seating);

• Standards could be introduced for facilities used by women players and officials. It is

recognised that most junior girls change off-site, so major renovations to junior

changerooms may not be necessary. However, women’s teams may wish to change on

site. Shower cubicles may be required in the changerooms. Similar facilities may be

required for female referees;

• FFV urges Councils to consider the needs of females in the design of new soccer

facilities or renovation of existing facilities.

Structure of competitions

• FFV is proposing a major change to the Premier League competition which may see the

current relegation/promotion system abolished and an application/licence system

introduced. Clubs wanting to get a licence to compete in Premier League would have to

satisfy a set of standards relating to performance on the field, management off the field

and support of juniors;

• FFV believes that this application/licence system together with the strict enforcement of

the facility classification system could reduce the number of Premier League teams and

result in the rationalisation of venues, clubs sharing venues and/or clubs using venues

outside their home municipality;

• As already mentioned, FFV will continue to expand its various competition levels to

cater for growing demand. Probably the most significant change in terms of their

implications for facilities will be the expansion of the senior men’s competition and

masters section with clubs fielding multiple senior sides. As a result, clubs may want to

use their grounds all day on Saturdays. This will place a heavier load on the playing

surfaces and facilities and enhanced maintenance regimes would be required.

44


7.4.5 Local schools

Six schools are located within 2.5kms of the Reserve. All have used the Reserve in the past for

interschool sport, 2 as the home school and 4 as the visiting team. The 2 main users are

Edithvale Primary and Chelsea Heights Primary Schools.

Edithvale PS

Edithvale Primary School is located 0.45kms from the Reserve. The School uses the Reserve for

interschool sports (soccer and softball), physical education classes which need a large outdoor

field and whole school events, like cross country runs. It formerly used the athletics track for its

annual athletics’ carnivals. It use for athletics is now limited to the long jump pits for training.

The School does not use the internal areas of the pavilion or the velodrome.

The School indicated that the Reserve is very important as an open space area and complements

its play areas. It is a particularly attractive venue for the School because it has public toilets and a

verandah around the pavilion for shelter. The School is happy with the condition of the Reserve

and its facilities. It asks that more shade be provided around the playing fields, if possible. Chelsea Heights PS

Chelsea Heights PS is located 2kms from the Reserve. It uses the Reserve for athletics and

soccer. It is satisfied with the Reserve as the facilities are in good condition and there is shelter

and access to public toilets. The School will continue to use the facility. Improvements that

would assist the School are permanent line-marking of the running track and erection of

permanent soccer goals

All the schools were asked about their interest in participating in the school cycling program

proposed by the Veterans Cycling Club. They indicated a high level of interest in this program.

7.5 Local Interest Groups/Residents

7.5.1 Edithvale Recreation Reserve Reference Committee

This Committee was formed to guide and provide input to the masterplanning process. The

Committee comprises local Councillors, Council officers and representatives of the main user

groups. Committee members were asked to indicate what they consider to be the positive and

negative aspects of the Reserve. Their responses were as follows:

45


• The baseball field is in good condition;

• The social room in the pavilion is a good size;

• The picnic/BBQ area is uninviting. The BBQs are hidden away and the tables are

obstructed by trees;

• The playground is well located and maintained. The equipment should be expanded and

diversified to provide more interest and appeal to a broader age range;

• A fun and fitness circuit was previously located in the Reserve and was reasonably

popular. Consideration should be given to reinstating the circuit;

• The passive areas of the Reserve need general enhancement;

• Vandalism, carparking and movement of vehicles in the Reserve are major concerns and

should be addressed by the masterplan;

• There are too many buildings in the Reserve. They need to be consolidated.

7.5.2 Survey of local residents

A mail out survey was distributed to 1200 households situated within 500m of the Reserve (on

the north side of Edithvale Rd). The survey asked householders to respond to the following

questions:

• How long they had lived at their current addresses?

• Had they used the Reserve in the last two years and how often?

• What they use the Reserve for?

• What was their main mode of travel to the Reserve?

• How important are the individual facilities?

• How they would rate the standard of the facilities?

• If they were non-users, why they did not use the Reserve?

• What could be done to encourage them to make greater use of the Reserve?

• Whether they wanted to make any general comments about problems at or

improvements to the Reserve?

A full analysis of their responses is provided in Appendix A. A summary of the main findings of

the surveys is as follows:

• 264 households responded to the survey. 220 that use the Reserve and 44 that do not

• 59% of the respondents had lived in the Edithvale area for less than 10 years. 20% for

more than 20 years;

46


• The predominant household type was couples with children living at home (36%),

couple only (28%) and then single persons (28%);

• The most popular reasons for using the Reserve were walking for exercise (57% of

respondents said that they walk at least weekly), enjoying the environment (40%),

walking the dog (35%) and relaxation/contemplation (25%);

• The main modes of travel to the Reserve were walking (77%) and riding bike (15%)

• The most important facilities at the Reserve (in order) were trees (86% of respondents

ranked them as very important), pathways (79%), grassed areas for informal play (76%),

seats (75%), public toilets (65%) and playground (64%);

• The facilities that were considered to be of the poorest standard/quality were the seats

(45% rated the seats as being in poor condition), pathways (28%) and trees (20%);

• The popular responses to what improvements could be made to encourage greater use

by users of the Reserve were additional planting and landscaping (63%), more seating

(61%), more shade/shelter (59%), more walking paths (54%) and improved BBQ

facilities (54%);

• Of the 45 households that do not use Reserve, 46% said more walking paths would

encourage them to use the Reserve, 40% said improved landscaping and 38% more

seating and shade;

• The common themes expressed by residents in the written comments section of the

survey were as follows:

– Enhance the play facilities and make them suitable for children of all ages;

– Fence off the play areas and provide seating and shade;

– Enhance the picnic/bbq areas;

– Provide more seating in the Reserve;

– Improve litter control and collection in the Reserve;

– Address traffic and carparking issues around the Reserve;

– Ensure that dogs are controlled while in the Reserve;

– Remove and replace old trees.

7.5.3 Residents’ forum

An open forum was held for residents living around the Reserve and groups that used the

Reserve. 55 people attended the forum. The residents were provided with a summary of the

research findings and a draft masterplan and asked to make comment. Their comments were as

follows:

47


48

• There are too many buildings in the Reserve. The concept of a consolidated central

pavilion is strongly supported;

• Provide externally accessible toilets in the new pavilion;

• Investigate potential of using bore water on the Reserve;

• Provide drinking fountain in playground area;

• Provide old fashioned elements in the playground such as swings, slides, monkey bars etc

• Improve fencing around play area and provide bbq area near playground;

• Provide play facilities for older age children – basketball ring, rebound wall etc;

• Increase opportunities for play for children aged 3-7 years;

• Ensure soccer and baseball fields are viewable from the clubrooms;

• Increase lighting of soccer fields and generally around the Reserve;

• Satisfy the facility needs of the growing sports – e.g. soccer;

• Provide more off street parking;

• Provide walking paths in the Reserve;

• Ensure there is no additional fencing in the Reserve;

• Create off leash dog walking space;

• If dog off leash area is provided, locate it away from the playgrounds;

• Retain off lead dog access;

• Enhance graffiti removal programs. Remove graffiti within 24 hours;

• Enhance security lighting and keep in good repair;

• Make the third soccer field longer;

• Provide better quality grass on the soccer fields;

• Reconsider the relocation of the baseball field for safety reasons - moving the diamond

increase risks to pedestrians/vehicles on Bridges Ave/Fraser Ave;

• The baseball field may require some additional permanent fencing if moved southward;

• Lighting over the baseball field needs to be improved;

• Enhance security of main pavilion through security lighting and alarms;

• Provide turning area at end of access road;

• Let grass grow longer in summer. The fields are cut too short too often;

• Define and upgrade the parking areas on Bridges Ave. Seal if necessary;

• Provide some native garden beds.

• Improve litter control in the Reserve. Consider the provision of additional bins on Fraser

Ave;

• Investigate the possibility of having a shared liquor licence for the main pavilion.


Table 7 – FFV Facility Standards (Preferred specification are shown in red)

Item Class A B C D Grades Premier League State League Div 1 State League Div 2, 3

Provisional League 1 Women’s Premier League

Provisional League 2,3 Women’s State League Men’s Thirds Masters’ League

Chelsea Soccer Club

Playing arena - Pitch 100-105m long 96-105m long 96-105m long 96-105m long 60– 68m wide 60– 68m wide 60– 68m wide 60– 68m wide 105mX68m 105mX68m 105mX68m 105mX68m Floodlights to match standards - - - Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular Evenly grassed Evenly grassed Evenly grassed Evenly grassed Properly lined Properly lined Properly lined Properly lined Min of 3m to fence or other objects Min of 3m to fence or other objects Min of 3m to fence or other objects Min of 3m to fence or other objects - Fence Permanent chain wire Permanent chain wire Permanent or temporary fence Permanent or temporary fence Min of 1.1m high Min of 1.1m high Min of 1.1m high Min of 1.1m high Min 3m from sideline Min 3m from sideline Min 3m from sideline Min 3m from sideline - Players/match officials race

From dressing rooms to players area From dressing rooms to players area

- -

Covered Covered - - Min 2.2m high Min 2.2m high - - Shade cloth down sides Shade cloth down sides - - Min 1.5m high Min 1.5m high - - 0.5m off the ground 0.5m off the ground - - - Goal posts As per current laws As per current laws As per current laws As per current laws - Corner posts As per current laws As per current laws As per current laws As per current laws Must not be metal or spring loaded Must not be metal or spring loaded Must not be metal or spring loaded Must not be metal or spring loaded Must be plastic or wood Must be plastic or wood Must be plastic or wood Must be plastic or wood Min of 1.5m high Min of 1.5m high Min of 1.5m high Min of 1.5m high No national emblems No national emblems No national emblems No national emblems - Coaches/players boxes 2 boxes 2 boxes 2 boxes 2 boxes Covered Covered Covered Covered Capable of seating 8 people Capable of seating 8 people Capable of seating 5 people Capable of seating 5 people

49


Item Class A B C D Grades Premier League State League Div 1 State League Div 2, 3 Provisional League 2,3

Provisional League 1 Women’s State League Women’s Premier League Men’s Thirds Masters’ League

Chelsea Soccer Club

- Portable buildings Removed by commencement of

2007 - - -

Facilities

- Players Dressing Rooms 4 dressing rooms 4 dressing rooms 2 dressing rooms 1dressing room - - 4 rooms - Lockable Lockable Lockable Lockable Min 25sqms Min 25sqms Min 25sqms - 35sqms 35sqms - - Showers areas tiled to 1.2m - - - Preferred tiled to 2ms - - - Hot and cold water Hot and cold water Hot and cold water Hot and cold water Toilets Toilets Toilets Access to toilets - - - Access to toilets in building structure Massage table - - - - Officials’ dressing rooms 1 room 1 room 1 room 1 room 2 rooms 2 rooms 2 rooms - Lockable Lockable Lockable Lockable Min 20sqms Min 20sqms Min 20sqms Min 20sqms Showers areas tiled to 1.2m - - - Hot and cold water Hot and cold water Hot and cold water Hot and cold water Toilets Toilets Toilets Access to toilets - - - Access to toilets in building structure First Aid Room/Area Room Min 15sqms Room Room First aid area - 15sqms 15sqms First aid room Basic equipment Basic equipment Basic equipment Basic equipment

50





Chelsea Soccer Club

Other Spectator amenities Fully enclosed with perimeter

fencing - - -

Min 1.8m high - - - Ticket box Ticket box – design approved by

FFV - - -

Carparking 200 spaces - - - 500 spaces - - - Within 200m of playing field - - - Within 100m of playing field - - - Scoreboard Scoreboard Scoreboard Scoreboard Scoreboard Inc names of participating clubs - - - Clearly visible to the majority of

spectators - - -

Male Toilets Min 2 urinals No of urinals not specified Can be shared with players and officials

-

Min 1 cubicle No of cubicles not specified No of cubicles not specified - Disabled access Disabled access Disabled access Disabled access Female Toilets Min 2 cubicles No of cubicles not specified No of cubicles not specified - Disabled access Disabled access Disabled access Disabled access Canteen Serving hot and cold food Serving hot and cold food Serving hot and cold food Serving hot and cold food Spectator seating 500 people (2008 season) - - - Covered accommodation for 300 - - - Covered seating for 100 - - - Refreshment area Indoor area - - - Approx 200sqms - - - Views over playing arena - - - Media room Suitable for television and radio - - - Telephone handsets - - - Fax machine - - -

51


52




Chelsea Soccer Club

Media viewing room Views of playing arena and scoreboard

- - -

Public address system Functioning system - - - Fencing Min 2m high - - - Signboard Displaying players names - - - Flagpole Displaying Australian Flag - - -

Edithvale Rec


53

SECTION EIGHT – MASTERPLAN OPTIONS

8.1 Introduction

This section lists the improvements to the Reserve identified in the condition assessment or

suggested by key stakeholders and assesses the merits and feasibility of these improvements.

8.2 List of Improvements/Assessment of Merit

The list of improvements is provided in table 8 on pages 54-56. Assessments of the merit of the

suggested improvements listed in table 8 are provided in table 9 (see pages 57-63). The

assessments have been made after consultation with relevant Council staff, key stakeholders and

the reference group.

An analysis of tables 8 and 9 indicates the following:

• All stakeholders, in particular Council staff and residents, want the passive recreation

spaces and facilities within the Reserve to be enhanced. This includes pathways, park

furniture, the playground, the picnic areas and the spaces under the trees;

• Improving traffic movement and control in and around the Reserve is very important to

all stakeholders. The lack of carparking was also frequently mentioned;

• There is general agreement amongst the stakeholders that the buildings within the

Reserve need to be consolidated. Not only are they unsightly, but they constrain

development of the Reserve, restric6t movement and views and in the case of the soccer

and cycling clubhouses have no relationship with the outdoor facilities they serve;

• All the stakeholders seem amenable to the baseball and second soccer fields being

realigned to accommodate a third soccer field. Even the baseball club who would have

to move their field to the north are agreeable;

• However, residents and Council’s Planning Officers are emphatic that the redevelopment

should not result in a loss of neighbourhood amenity. There is already growing concerns

about traffic and parking issues and it is important that these matters are not exacerbated

by the masterplan;

• There is also some disquiet amongst residents about litter control in the Reserve.

Increased usage could also exacerbate this problem and residents are asking that

appropriate measures are put in place to manage the litter problem.


Table 8 – Suggested Improvements, Condition Assessment and Consultation Process

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENT SOURCE

Council Staff

Literature Review

Condition assessment

Athletics centre

Vets cycling

club

Baseball Club

Soccer Club

Chelsea Cycling

club

Local schools

Reference committee

Residents

General/Passive spaces

Consolidate buildings in a suitable central location √ √ √ Investigate the merits of establishing a management committee for the Reserve

√

Improve pedestrian connectivity and orientation within the Reserve

√ √ √ √ √

Make the southern entrance of the Reserve more welcoming √ √ √

Provide more carparking and improve vehicle movement in the Reserve

√ √ √ √ √

Investigate the feasibility of developing a third soccer field in the Reserve

√

Provide more training lights over the soccer fields √ √ √ Generally make the Reserve more welcoming to informal users. Define spaces for passive recreation and enhance these spaces with landscaping and park furniture

√ √ √

Enhance the picnic area in the Reserve and site in a location which is suitable to user groups and residents

√ √ √ √

Enhance viewlines through the Reserve where possible √ √ Construct walking paths in appropriate locations in through the Reserve. Give consideration to providing a perimeter path

√ √ √

Construct pathways to streets on eastern side of Reserve √

Provide more paved and sheltered areas √

Ensure that the redevelopment of the Reserve does not promote activities that would detrimentally impact on neighbourhood amenity

√ √√√

Better define the entrance to the Reserve off Edithvale Rd √

Redevelop the entrance to promote better traffic flow – potential solutions are widening the entrance and inserting a right hand turning lane into Edithvale Rd and installing a left hand turning land into the Reserve on Edithvale Road (for cars travelling in the direction of the beach)

√ √

Improve traffic conditions and carparking around the Reserve √√√ Consider providing the Reserve with sensory stimuli √ √

Improve the accessibility of the Reserve and its facilities √ √ √ √

54



Council Literature Condition Athletics Vets Baseball Soccer Chelsea Local Reference Residents Staff Review assessment centre cycling Club Club Cycling schools committee

club club

Give consideration to providing a dog off leash area in the Reserve

√ √

Give consideration to installing public art piece in Reserve √

Improve signage to the Reserve √ √ Ensure that the playground area at the Reserve complies with Council’s standards for neighbourhood playgrounds – one shelter/shade area; a minimum of 1 table and seats for picnics; socialising etc; two seats (3-seaters) for supervising parents in close proximity to the play area and with clear sightlines; and limited landscaping and planting to enhance the amenity of the site Relocate to a more suitable area within the Reserve

√ √ √ √√√

Improve litter controls in and around the Reserve √√ Give consideration to reinstating the fun and fitness circuit √

Investigate the feasibility of capturing and reusing stormwater at the Reserve

√

Update the treated log barriers √ √ Improve the surface of the senior soccer pitch √

Undertake an audit of the trees in the Reserve. Replace the trees that are in poor condition with advanced trees

√ √ √

Enhance security lighting around the Reserve √ √ Improve the external appearance of the buildings at the Reserve √ √ Repair the high jump aprons and surrounds √

Install javelin run ups in conjunction with high jump apron √ Replace the broken discus ring √

Provide a central equipment shed for the little athletics club √

Construct concrete pads for start/finish line √

Install an entrance gate at the Edithvale Road entry √ Provide facilities at Reserve for the Southern Veterans Club to establish a base – access to changerooms, storeroom, meeting rooms, kitchen and toilets

√

Provide a women’s changeroom for baseball √

Provide bigger change rooms for male baseballers √ Provide umpires rooms for baseball √

55



Council Literature Condition Athletics Vets Baseball Soccer Chelsea Local Reference Residents Staff Review assessment centre cycling Club Club Cycling schools committee

club club

Refurbish the kitchen √

Provide an externally accessible kiosk √

Provide an elevated scorer’s areas for baseball √ Provide access to a second playing field for baseball √

Erect batting cage for baseball √

Develop a 3rd playing field for soccer at the Reserve √

Provide club house facilities for the soccer club in a central pavilion. Facilities should at least match existing facilities and satisfy FFV requirements

√

Install temporary/permanent fence around the second soccer playing field

√

Provide space for the Chelsea Cycling Club in a central pavilion √

Provide lights around the cycling track √ Permanently line-mark the running track √

56


Table 9 – Assessment of Merit

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT OF MERIT

Consolidate buildings in a suitable central location

There are five permanent buildings and a number of sheds in the park. The central pavilion, used by the baseball club and little athletics centre, is in a good location and functions reasonably well. It has a number of spatial deficiencies including inadequate change areas for baseball (men and women) and a lack of storage facilities for the athletics club. The cycling and soccer clubhouses are not purpose built. Although they are structurally sound and, in the case of the soccer facility, well presented internally, they are deficient in that they are poorly located with respect to the playing fields they serve and do not offer suitable change facilities and kiosk facilities. The cycling club and soccer club (if it remains at the Reserve- see next paragraph) should be accommodated in a pavilion that is suitably located near their playing fields and track. The portable change facility installed near the toilet block was only meant to be temporary facilities and should be removed when new facilities for the soccer are provided. The stand alone toilet block at the front of the Reserve has just been built. Although not considered to the best position, it is not feasible to relocate it. A new central, consolidated pavilion should be provided. The final size and design of the pavilion will depend on the user groups accommodated by the facility. The Little Athletics, the Chelsea and Peninsula Cycling Club and the baseball club are certainties. A second cycling club, the Southern Veterans Road Cycling Club, is keen to be based at the pavilion. Council wants them to be considered. The Soccer Club is a little uncertain. It would like to get access to three senior size playing fields at Edithvale Reserve. This could only be achieved by significantly encroaching on the baseball field. The soccer club is aware that this is unlikely to be approved and therefore wants to investigate other location options. There are no obvious locations in Kingston and the club may have to look at sites in other municipalities. It is anticipated that the club will decide to remain at Edithvale Reserve. A consolidated facility should be built. The facility should accommodate the Chelsea Little Athletics Centre, the Cycling Clubs, Chelsea baseball Club and Chelsea Soccer Club

Investigate the merits of establishing a management committee for the Reserve

It is likely that the Reserve will have 5 regular users all with their own playing areas and all located within a central pavilion with some dedicated and some shared spaces. It may be prudent to establish a committee comprising representatives of the user groups to manage the Reserve. There are no committees of management in the City and Council does not want to change this policy for Edithvale Recreation Reserve. It preference is for the Reserve to be managed by Council with regular meetings of the user groups being held during the year. This would be a good arrangement. Not recommended

Improve pedestrian connectivity and orientation within the Reserve

There are no pathways through the Reserve which connect the surrounding footpaths or the facilities within the Reserve. A central pathway running north/south and a perimeter pathway around the playing fields would improve connectivity and encourage greater use of the Reserve. Recommended

57



Make the southern entrance of the Reserve more welcoming

The main entrance to the Reserve lacks prominence and is visually bland and unwelcoming. It should be enhanced through landscaping, signage and improved design Recommended

Provide more carparking and improve vehicle movement in the Reserve

The main access road to the Reserve is difficult to manoeuvre particularly when the carpark is close to full. There is no turning area at the end of the access road and cars that cannot find a carpark have to back out of the access road into the bike land on busy Edithvale Road. This is clearly unsafe. A turning area is required. There are 36 carparks in the main off street parking area near the pavilion. This is a small number, particularly for a Reserve which will accommodate 5 clubs in a central pavilion and where 3 sports could be played concurrently. More parking is needed. The installation of a turning area at the end of the access road and more carparks within the Reserve is recommended

Investigate the feasibility of developing a third soccer field in the Reserve

Chelsea Soccer Club is growing quickly and needs access to a third playing field. Edithvale Recreation Reserve currently has 2 soccer fields – one inside the velodrome with the preferred north-south orientation and the other with an east-west orientation along Edithvale Road. Both are senior size. A third senior field could be provided in the northern area of the Reserve with an east-west orientation. However, it would encroach on the baseball outfield. This is not a suitable location as soccer would significantly damage the ground surface making it unsuitable for baseball. It would only be appropriate if baseball were relocated to another Reserve. An area for a third field could be provided by shifting the baseball field to the north by around 20-30m and re-orienting the soccer field along Edithvale Road to the northwest. A field with dimensions of 90mX50m could then be developed along Bridges Ave. The adjacent re-oriented field would be around 80mX50m. The main field inside the velodrome could be used for senior soccer, the new 90mX50m field for higher age junior soccer and the smaller field for lower age junior soccer. This configuration of playing fields has been discussed with the Soccer Club. They would prefer 3 full size fields but would accept the compromise. The Baseball Club would accept the shifting of its playing field. One issue to note is that the proposed configuration will push the baseball field closer to the houses on Fraser Ave and Bridges Ave. The baseballers indicate that it is highly unlikely that a ball would be hit into the houses. However, nets may be required as a safeguard. Reconfigure the playing fields as proposed in this section

58



Provide more training lights over the soccer fields

The main soccer field has 2 lights. The second playing field is not lit. Soccer is played in winter and lights are needed for training. Currently, all of the evening training is undertaken in the lit areas of the main field. This overloads these areas. More training lights over the main field and the 2 proposed smaller fields will help to spread the training load and protect the ground surfaces. Neighbouring residents may be concerned about the additional lights. They would get a chance to express these concerns during the town planning permit process Recommended

Generally make the Reserve more welcoming to informal users. Define spaces for passive recreation and enhance these spaces with landscaping and park furniture

This was suggested by many stakeholders. The passive areas of the Reserve are not well defined or developed. It is recommended that they be enhanced through improved landscaping and the installation of pathways and seats. Recommended

Enhance the picnic area in the Reserve and site in a location which is suitable to user groups and residents

The existing picnic area near the pavilion is in poor condition. Improved picnic facilities are a high priority of residents – expressed through the survey and at the public forum. The picnic facilities should be enhanced. Areas should be provided near the pavilion and the playground. Recommended

Enhance viewlines through the Reserve where possible

Views into the Reserve are obstructed by the velodrome, soccer and cycling clubhouses, the public toilet block and the portable change buildings. Some of these facilities are fixed and cannot be moved. Others like the club houses and the portable change building can be removed. This will greatly enhance view lines Recommended

Construct pathways to streets on eastern side of Reserve

Many people coming to watch games at the Reserve park on Bridges Ave. To get to the middle of the Reserve they either have to walk across the playing fields or along Fraser Ave or Edithvale Rd. It is not appropriate that an east-west pathway be provided through the middle of the Reserve. Visually it would look unusual and would also constrain the playing fields. However, pathways in the Reserve along Fraser Avenue and Edithvale Road should be considered. Pathways inside the Reserve along Fraser Ave and Edithvale Rd should be considered

Provide more paved and sheltered areas Paved and sheltered areas are currently provided near the pavilion. These areas should be enhanced when the pavilion is redeveloped. Recommended

59



Ensure that the redevelopment of the Reserve does not promote activities that would detrimentally impact on neighbourhood amenity

The Reserve is flanked by houses on its eastern and northern sides. Therefore it is critical that residential amenity be given serious consideration when the masterplan’s recommendations are framed. It is crucial that the recommendations do not create conditions which add to noise, traffic and visual amenity concerns. If possible, the recommendations should help to reduce these concerns. Recommended

Redevelop the entrance to promote better traffic flow – potential solutions are widening the entrance and inserting a right hand turning lane into Edithvale Rd and installing a left hand turning land into the Reserve on Edithvale Road (for cars travelling in the direction of the beach)

Cars are experiencing problems entering and exiting the Reserve. These measures should reduce these problems. Recommended

Improve traffic conditions and carparking around the Reserve

Many residents, through the survey and at the public forum, expressed concerns about traffic conditions and carparking around the Reserve. The main concerns were the speed and volume of traffic on Bridges Ave; the speed of cars on Fraser Ave; the haphazard nature of the carparking on Bridges Ave and Edithvale Rd near Bridges Ave; and the dangerous turning conditions at Bridges Ave (right into Edithvale Rd) when cars are parked in Edithvale Rd etc These problems should be addressed Recommended Refer problems relating to traffic conditions to Council’s transport planners. Properly define and develop the carparking areas on the Reserve side of Bridges Ave

Consider providing the Reserve with sensory stimuli

This should be considered in the vegetation plan for the Reserve Recommended

Give consideration to installing public art piece in Reserve

This should be considered as part of the redevelopment of the pavilion. The potential for vandalism would have to be considered Recommended

Improve signage to the Reserve There is little signage around the Reserve. A sign on Edithvale Rd advising that motorists that they are approaching the Reserve would be beneficial. A sign at the entrance which listed the clubs located at the Reserve would also be beneficial Recommended

60

Edithvale Recreation Reserve Masterplan inal Report


Give consideration to providing a formal dog off leash area in the Reserve

The Reserve is essentially a sports park and most of the Reserve is taken up by playing fields, pavilions and carparks. There is no space for a formal dog-off leash area in the Reserve. The issue the needs resolution is whether dogs should be allowed off leash in the park. This is occurring at the moment and some residents have expressed their opposition. Conversely, some residents at the forum expressed their approval. This is a difficult issue to resolve. It would be disappointing to restrict responsible dog owners from allowing their dogs from running around the park. However, irresponsible owners with problem dogs should not be allowed to let their dogs run loose. Council will need to develop a position on this. Maybe education should be the first approach, and if this fails, a ban could be imposed. A formal dog off leash area is not recommended. The matter of allowing dogs to run off leash in the Reserve should be further discussed by Council

Ensure that the playground area at the Reserve complies with Council’s standards for neighbourhood playgrounds – one shelter/shade area; a minimum of 1 table and seats for picnics; socialising etc; two seats (3-seaters) for supervising parents in close proximity to the play area and with clear sightlines; and limited landscaping and planting to enhance the amenity of the site Relocate to a more suitable area in the Reserve

The playground does not meet Council’s standards. Residents are not satisfied with the quality or size of the playground. Councils’ landscape architect is not happy with the location of the playground. The playground should be enhanced and at least meet Council standards. The location is not ideal but there is no alternative position unless one of the playing fields is foregone. It is recommended that the play area be enhanced and expanded at its current location as per Council’s standards. Recommended

Improve litter control in and around the Reserve

A number of residents have expressed concern about the amount of litter that is left in and around the Reserve after weekend sporting events. This issue should be taken up with the clubs and a litter education, prevention and control program introduced. Recommended

Give consideration to reinstating the fun and fitness circuit

A perimeter walking track is proposed for the Reserve. The exercise stations could be placed along this track. However, the reconfiguration of the playing fields and the construction of the perimeter track will not leave much room for other facilities. In fact, the stations may actually obstruct movement around the Reserve. It is also questionable whether these circuits are popular. It s suggested that the exercise station not be included in the masterplan but be given consideration again when the path is being planned. Not recommended

61



Investigate the feasibility of capturing and reusing stormwater at the Reserve

This should be undertaken as part of the detailed design process for the central pavilion and carpark areas. Recommended

Update the treated log barriers

The barriers should be replaced at an appropriate time. Recommended

Improve the surface of the senior soccer pitch

Both playing fields at the Reserve are in poor condition as a result of the heavy load they receive and the effects of the drought. The fields need major renovation. This should occur as soon as feasible. Recommended

Undertake an audit of the trees in the Reserve. Replace the trees that are in poor condition with advanced trees

The trees were recently audited by Council. This audit identified the trees that should be removed. Council is undertaking an advanced tree planting program. It has nominated Edithvale Reserve as a suitable site for this program. Replace the trees identified in the audit with advanced trees

Enhance security lighting around the Reserve

There are 2 different schools of thought about security lighting around buildings and open space areas in reserves. One school thinks the lighting makes the reserve safer, the other believes the lighting attracts undesirable behaviour because people can see what they are doing. The opponents of lighting argue that surveillance is the best method of achieving security. However, both schools agree that people from a perception perspective, feel safer leaving a pavilion and walking through a carpark if it has some form of lighting. Lighting should be provided around the pavilion and carpark but is not needed in the rest of the Reserve. The buildings and open space areas should be designed to achieve optimal surveillance

Improve the external appearance of the buildings at the Reserve

The pavilion looks unsightly. This should be addressed in the plan for the redevelopment of the pavilion. Recommended

Repair the high jump aprons and surrounds

The areas are in need of repair. Recommended

Install javelin run ups in conjunction with the high jump apron

This would improve facilities for the Little Athletes. Recommended

Replace the broken discus ring

Recommended

62



Construct concrete pads for start/finish line

These should be installed if they do not encroach on the soccer field. Recommended

Provide a central equipment shed for the Little Athletics Club

A central equipment shed is considered essential for the little athletics club. This should be incorporated in the central pavilion. Recommended

Provide floodlighting over the cycling and athletics track

Both clubs want lighting so they can undertake night training and possibly competition. The feasibility of installing lights should be explored. Erecting additional lights on the soccer poles may be sufficient. Investigating the feasibility of the lights is recommended

Install an entrance gate on the main access road

This is not considered necessary. There does not seem to be much concern about bad vehicle behaviour in the Reserve and the gate would be a burden to open and close. Not recommended

Provide facilities at the Reserve for the Southern Veterans Club to establish a base. It needs access to changerooms, storeroom, meeting rooms, kitchen and toilets

The club is keen to establish a base at the Reserve. Council is happy to consider this. The presence of the club at the Reserve would help to optimise the use of velodrome and pavilion. It would also provide another recreation option for the local children with the club willing to provide cycling classes for local schools. Recommended

Provide a women’s changeroom for baseball

Dedicated change areas for female baseballers probably cannot be justified. Instead some of the change areas should be designed to provide for women and the women’s toilets should have a small change area attached for ladies that are playing in mixed teams. Not recommended

Provide bigger change rooms for baseball

The change areas in the new pavilion should be suitably sized. Recommended

Provide umpires’ rooms for baseball

Appropriate umpires facilities for baseball and soccer umpires should be provided in the new central pavilion. Recommended

63


64


Refurbish the kitchen for baseball/little athletics

Should be incorporated in the design of the new pavilion

Provide an externally accessible kiosk for baseball

Should be considered in the design of the new pavilion

Provide an elevated scorer’s areas

Should be considered in the design of the new pavilion

Provide access to a second playing field for baseball

There is no space available at the Reserve. Not recommended

Erect batting cages

Batting cages are usually standard at baseball venues. There is insufficient land for full size cages. However, birdie cages (a smaller version of the batting cages) would fit. These should be provided. Recommended

Provide facilities for the soccer clubs in a central pavilion. Facilities should at least match existing facilities and satisfy FFV requirements

Should be incorporated in the design of the new pavilion

Install temporary/permanent fence around the second soccer playing field

Fence is not required. Not recommended

Provide space for the Chelsea Cycling Club in a central pavilion

Club should be relocated to the pavilion. Recommended

Provide lights around the cycling track

Training lights would optimise the uses of the track, particularly in summer. Should be included as long term option if the use of the track increases. Recommended

Permanently linemark the running track

Council will not allow permanent line marking. Not recommended

Edithvale Rec


SECTION NINE- MASTERPLAN

9.1 Introduction

This section contains the following information:

• A plan illustrating proposed works at the Reserve;

• Concept options for the central pavilion;

• A development plan for the Reserve with estimated costs of the proposed works and

recommended priorities;

• Discussions about maintenance regimes and management models.

9.2 Masterplan Objectives

The aim of the masterplan is to provide a vision for how the Reserve will look and function in

the long term and to increase people’s use and enjoyment of the Reserve. The masterplan

assumes that the Chelsea Soccer Club will remain at the Reserve. If this position changes, the

masterplan and concept designs for the central pavilion should be reviewed.

The implementation of masterplan will achieve the following objectives:

• Reduce the number of buildings in the Reserve;

• Increase the scope and quality of residents’ experiences in the Reserve;

• Enhance the prominence of the Reserve;

• Improve vehicle movement and parking;

• Enhance pedestrian movement through and within the Reserve;

• Enhance view lines through the Reserve;

• Enhance the appearance and safety of the Reserve;

• Provide an additional playing field for soccer;

• Optimise the use of the Reserve through introducing another user group.

9.3 Timelines and Costs

Relevant Council officers and the reference group reviewed the information contained in the

assessment of merit. The review involved settling on the works that would be included in the

masterplan and developing criteria for giving timelines for completion of these work items. It was

agreed that the priority and timelines for works would be described as short and medium term.

65


Short term projects (0-2 years) are works which have one or more of the following

characteristics:

• Enhance passive recreation and informal play experiences in the residents;

• Provide additional playing facilities for the user groups;

• Enhance existing playing fields;

• Remove elements of the Reserve that are in poor condition;

• Do not require detailed planning or involve approval processes which may take a

number of months to complete.

Medium term projects (3-7 years) are works which have similar characteristics to short term

projects but are costly to complete and may require comprehensive planning including

consultation, concept planning, detailed planning and/or tender processes.

It should be noted the minor works relating to individual areas such as replacing bollards or

improving the security lighting around a certain building are not included in the masterplan.

These more specific recommendations should be included in the design plans for the individual

sites/buildings in the Reserve (see works listed in Table 12).

9.4 Masterplan

A plan illustrating the works proposed at the Reserve is provided on page 72. Table 11 collates

these works items into a development plan.

9.5 Central Pavilion

The proposed central pavilion will accommodate 5 user clubs. The final design of the facility

should be determined through a detailed design phase which involves extensive consultation with

the users. Preliminary concept plans have been prepared for the purpose of identifying a building

footprint for the masterplan and show relationships with the other elements of the reserve (see

pages 73-74). It is acknowledged that it is likely in the detailed design phase for the pavilion that

the spital areas will change and there will be greater sharing of spaces by the clubs. The concepts

are based on the spatial areas provided by the user groups and specifications set down by peak

associations. Two options are provided - 1) the redevelopment of the existing pavilion with

existing spaces being retained and 2) a new pavilion (see Table 10). Both options show 2 storey

facilities with the change, storage and amenities areas on the ground floor and social facilities on

the first floor.

66


67

9.6 Management and maintenance

The majority of Council’s active recreation reserves are directly managed by Council. User

groups/clubs are normally given access to reserves and pavilions under seasonal allocation

and/or lease arrangements. Council wants this type of management/occupancy approach to

continue at Edithvale Recreation Reserve. It acknowledges that there will be five clubs using the

Reserve and sharing the pavilion but believes that it can best manage this use by retaining control

of the facility and getting the views of the clubs about management/usage of the reserve through

regular joint meetings.

The use of Edithvale Reserve will continue to increase for both training and competition. This

masterplan recommends that the playing fields be substantially upgraded. It is important that

after this upgrade is completed, the playing fields are well maintained. It is recommended that

the current maintenance regime be enhanced.

9.7 Recommendations

• That the development plan as detailed in table 12 be adopted ‘in principle’ as the

proposed masterplan for Edithvale Recreation Reserve;

• That the allocations listed in table 12 be referred to Council’s capital works and

maintenance budgets;

• That the maintenance regimes for the Reserve be enhanced to ensure that the playing

fields and surrounds are maintained in good condition;

• That Council continue to directly manage the Reserve and undertake regular joint

meetings with the users;

• That the concept plans for the central pavilion be further refined and costed in

consultation with the user groups.


Table 10 – Spatial areas in Pavilion

Space Redevelopment of existing pavilion New pavilion No Area (sqm) Total area (sqm) No Area (sqm) Total area (sqm) Soccer Change areas with showers/toilets 4 35 140 4 35 140 Umpires room 1 25 25 1 25 25 First aid room 2 15 30 2 15 30 Social area with bar 1 160 160 1 160 160 Kitchen/kiosk 1 25 25 1 25 25 Internal toilets (male/female/disabled) 1 30 30 1 30 30 Storage areas 2 15 30 2 15 30 Meeting room/admin space 1 20 20 1 20 20 Baseball Change areas with showers/toilets 2 12 24 2 22 44 Umpires room 1 10 10 1 10 10 First aid room 1 10 10 1 10 10 Social area with bar 1 100 100 1 110 110 Storage areas 3 10 30 3 10 30 Admin space 1 10 10 1 10 10 Kiosk 1 15 15 1 15 15 Cycling Storage space 2 10 20 2 10 20 Admin space 1 15 15 1 15 15 Little Athletics Externally accessible storage space 1 30 30 1 30 30 Internal storage space 2 15 30 2 15 30 Shared space (Cycling/ Little Athletics) Social room 1 40 40 1 60 60 Changeroom with showers 1 22 22 1 22 22 Shared facilities (Cycling/ Little Athletics/ Baseball)

Kitchen 1 35 35 1 30 30 Internal toilets (male/female/disabled) 1 45 45 1 30 30 Externally accessible toilets 1 30 30 1 30 30

68


Table 11 – Capital Development Plan: Reserve

Improvements Estimated cost $

Priority

Replace the existing pavilion with a new, two storey pavilion including social/meeting rooms. The pavilion should provide suitable spaces for the soccer, cycling, little athletics and baseball clubs. The facility should be located and designed to view and service all the playing fields, velodrome and athletics track

2.5m Medium

Remove the existing soccer club and bicycle club rooms and construct an asphalt car park (950sm) with line marking and a retaining wall(s) to the embankment of the velodrome (cost includes concrete kerb and channel, demolition of buildings, asphalting and walling

125000 Medium

Remove the relocatable change rooms currently on hire as new change room facilities for players and umpires will be provided for within the new pavilion

5000 Medium

Provide a legible shared pathway of 2.5 metres width of Lyndhurst gravel (granitic sand) between Edithvale Road and Fraser Avenue

40000 Short

Reconfigure the second soccer field as two junior fields on the preferred north - south orientation. Investigate fencing options for preventing soccer balls from running onto Edithvale Road. Erect lights over the playing fields

165000 Short

Move the existing baseball field further south west to accommodate the reconfigured soccer fields. Raise the height of the fence at rear of baseball diamond. Erect lights over the diamond and outfield. Provide two birdie cages to the fence line for batting practice. Investigate need for fencing to prevent baseballs from running onto Bridges and Fraser Ave

175000 Short

Extend the existing play area near Fraser Avenue to include additional playground equipment and mulched surface. Provide seating under/near shade trees. Investigate the feasibility of installing facilities for older age children

30000 Short

Construct a 1.8 metre wide Lyndhurst gravel (granitic sand) circuit walking path to the Reserve

32000 Short

Replace approximately 10 trees of poor condition and health with appropriate large canopy tree species

3000 Short

Establish medium to large predominantly native trees to particularly the pathways and frontages of the Reserve

18000 Medium

Establish a range of native and indigenous trees to the far north east corner of the Reserve and investigate the need to thin out some of the existing trees to allow for better development. Ensure that holes for planting are over-excavated and that soil improvement at tree sites is implemented to ensure healthy development of the trees.

7200 Medium

69


Improvements Estimated cost Priority $

Undertake an arboricultural assessment of all the existing trees and large shrubs, as many trees and shrubs are small stunted specimens.

5000 Short

Improve the surface of the main soccer playing field and athletic tracks. Works to include cultivation, re-profiling with top soil, topdressing, aeration and planting kikuyu and fescue .

60000 Short

Erect two lights on the eastern side of the main soccer field for night training

35000 Short

Investigate the feasibility of and options for floodlighting the athletics and cycling track. This could include installing additional lights on the soccer lighting poles which illuminates the tracks

30000 Short

Undertake the following improvements to the athletics facilities: repair of high jump aprons and surrounds, installation of javelin run ups in conjunction with high jump apron, replacement of broken discus ring and installation of small concrete pads for start/finish lines areas (note: these works should be undertaken in a manner which does not impact on the soccer playing field)

20000 Medium

Improve the playing surface of the second and third soccer fields and baseball fields. Works to include aeration and light cultivation, minor topsoiling, topdressing, spraying of winter grass and line planting of kikuyu sprigs

45000 Short

Provide a slip lane to facilitate safer vehicular entry into the Reserve from the east (90sqm)

40000 Medium

Provide an additional lane for left turning vehicles exiting the Reserve (55sqm).

30000 Medium

Remove existing barbeque south of the pavilion and establish a new barbeque with seating and shade trees closer to the playground .

18000 Short

Provide a vehicle turn-around court bowl to the existing car park

22000 Medium

Define and upgrade the car parking areas on the Reserve side of Bridges Ave, consider an asphalt spray seal.

40000 Medium

Undertake a review of traffic and parking conditions around the Reserve when weekend activities are held. Implement the recommendations of the review

15000 Short

70


Table 12 – Other recommendations for consideration

IMPROVEMENTS

Enhance security lighting around the pavilion and carpark Gradually replace the treated pine barriers Provide signs on Edithvale Rd to the west of the Reserve advising drivers that they are approaching the recreation Reserve Improve litter control in and around the Reserve Allow the grass on the playing fields to grow longer in summer Investigate the feasibility of obtaining a shared liquor licence for the facility Negotiate new occupancy arrangements with the users groups where appropriate Consider providing the Reserve with sensory stimuli Give consideration to installing public art piece in Reserve Conduct a ‘dog off leash’ education program

71


Map 3 – Redevelopment Masterplan

72


Concept Plan 1 – Redevelopment and Extension of Existing Pavilion

73


74

Concept Plan 2 – New Central Pavilion

Edithvale Rec


APPENDICES

75


Appendix A – Residents’ Survey

1. No of respondents

264 households – 220 who use the Park and 44 who do not

2. Age ranges

Range – Years % of respondents

Under 20 1

21-29 6

30-39 23

40-49 25

50-69 27

70+ 15

Not stated 3

3. Gender

Male 103 Female 161

4. Length of time living at current address

Range – Years % of Respondents

0-5 35

6-10 24

11-15 5

16-20 5

20-29 9

30+ 20

Not Stated 2

5. Household Structure

Type % of Respondents

Couple only 28

Single person 25

Couple with children living at home 36

Sole parent with children living at home 8

Other 3

76


6. Used the Park in the past 2 years?

Yes 220 No 44

7. Purpose of using the Park and how often?

Activity

How often - daily (D) weekly (W), fortnightly (F) monthly (M), yearly (Y)

D

%

W

%

F

%

M

%

Y

%

Soccer 1 7 1 2 1 Athletics 1 4 0 1 2 Cycling 2 11 4 8 2 Baseball 0 2 0 1 0 Walking for exercise 27 30 3 10 0 Walking the dog 20 15 3 3 0 Running 5 12 2 1 0 Spectating sport 1 12 3 6 3 Using playground 4 17 8 9 4 Enjoying the environment 19 21 4 3 1 Relaxation/contemplation 11 14 2 6 1 Other: 0 0 0 0 0 Kicking footy 0 1 0 0 0 As a thoroughfare 1 0 0 0 0 Golf 0 0 0 0 0 Cricket 0 0 0 0 0 Tennis 0 0 0 0 0

8. Main mode of travel to Park

Mode % of Respondents

Walk 77

Car 7

Bike 15

Public transport 0 Other 1

77


9. Importance of facilities at the Park

Facility Very important

%

Moderately Important

%

Not important

%

Not stated

%

Soccer fields 25 23 29 23

Baseball field 20 22 35 23

Athletics track 31 27 19 23

Cycling track 32 32 17 19

Main pavilion 25 21 27 27

Soccer clubhouse 15 19 36 30

Cycling clubhouse 16 19 36 29

Playground 64 17 5 14

Trees 86 7 1 6

Pathways 79 10 3 8

Seats 75 14 2 9

Informal grassed areas 76 12 2 10

Toilets 65 17 7 11

Car Park 42 20 15 23

10. Standard/quality of the following facilities

Facility Poor %

Satisfactory %

Good %

Not stated %

Soccer fields 9 36 20 35

Baseball field 2 35 22 41

Athletics track 8 32 26 34

Cycling track 5 31 35 29

Main pavilion 15 28 11 46

Soccer clubhouse 16 22 5 57

Cycling clubhouse 16 17 5 62

Playground 19 48 15 18

Trees 20 48 24 8

Pathways 28 47 17 8

Seats 45 25 14 16

Informal grassed areas 9 50 29 12

Toilets 21 39 16 24

Car Park 18 37 15 30

78


11. Main reasons for not using the Park (non users)

Reason % of Respondents

Too busy 13

Too far away 2

Feel unsafe in the Reserve 8

Facilities do not suit needs 19

Not interested 17

Do not feel welcome in the Reserve 2

Do not know what is available in the Reserve 10

Difficult to get into the Reserve 2

Use another Reserve 6

Other: Too old 21

12. Improvements to encourage greater use of the Park

Users

Action % of Respondents

More play equipment 36

More or improved BBQ/picnic facilities 54

More shelter and shade 59

More seating 61

Improved surfaces on playing fields 21

More walking paths 54

Improved lighting 49

Better signage 7

Better access 6

Improved/increased car parking 16

Additional planting and landscaping 63

Provision of disability access 19

Provision of additional toilets facilities 37

Improved maintenance generally 37

Other:

Fencing

Upgrade of Athletics Track

Off-Leash area for dogs

More rubbish bins

2

1

1

1

79


Non-users

Action % of Respondents

More play equipment 20

More or improved BBQ/picnic facilities 30

More shelter and shade 38

More seating 38

Improved surfaces on playing fields 8

More walking paths 45

Improved lighting 25

Better signage 5

Better access 10

Improved/increased car parking 15

Additional planting and landscaping 40

Provision of disability access 8

Provision of additional toilets facilities 18

Improved maintenance generally 13

Other

13. Other parks used in Edithvale Area

Park % of respondents

Thames Promenade/Beachside Chelsea 10

Bicentennial Park, Chelsea 20

Edithvale Wetlands 17

Chelsea Reserve/Park 5

Mount Chelsea (Scotch Parade) 7

Mordialloc Reserve/Bike Path from Mordialloc 14

Glen Street Oval 2

Braeside Park 3

Edithvale Common 6

Park off Lochiel Avenue 2

Peter Scullan Reserve 4

Edithvale Beach 4

Aspendale Gardens 2

Regents Park 4

80


14. Written comments about problems with or suggested improvements to the Park

“I’d like to have Reserves available for community.” “Because of age and health we do not tend to use park facilities. However, we greatly appreciate the open spaces.” “The Edithvale Reserve is used by the youth of the community for weekend sports, this should be maintained as several different age groups use the facilities. Any improvements should reflect this but maintain some public access areas as well as the well-used children’s play ground”. “You really need to update the equipment – it’s not very inviting to the kids. Mine get bored too easily – not enough to engage them. I don’t expect another Chelsea Park but similar equipment would be great. PS: Need fencing along Bridges Avenue to stop soccer balls coming out onto the road – danger to players and drivers.” “More fencing around the playground to protect from the road”. “Fencing around park could be improved – it’s exposed to Edithvale Road and can be very dangerous to young children. On the other side of the park (near the little playground) the fencing is very poor as the park leads onto Fraser Avenue. Also the entrance to play equipment is uneven”. “I think seating should be a main priority. Also improve playground for older children 10-14 years age group.” “We moved to this suburb because of the beach and parks, bike paths and wetlands. We love these facilities and use them regularly as a family. This is a unique area with such a variety of resources and we treasure and appreciate them.” “Speed restrictions need to be in place near Park. Cars drive too fast around this area, especially Fraser Avenue. Speed humps need to be installed. Also a kiosk would be a good idea for the Park.” “Project should be undertaken with the future in mind and with a view to what is to be done with other Reserves/parks nearby in the future. Aquatic Centre would be ideal.” “Shade sails are definitely required over playground equipment. Urgent: Reduce speed limits around park, build speed humps. Traffic speeds in Fraser Avenue. Also traffic lights at corner of Bridges avenue and Edithvale road are needed. Motorists speed in Fraser Avenue and take no notice of the suggested 30 and 40 limits.” “More regular general clean-up – we regularly have to pick up rubbish bottles opposite our house and along road/park edges. Our house position is opposite the park, what happens daily is relevant to our property and lifestyle. This is why we regularly contact Council when trees re damaged, graffiti on buildings, rubbish is left etc. Non-responsible use by sporting groups and spectators affects us adversely. Signs depicting no rubbish dumping, hefty fine, on parks and adjoining street areas.” “Stop people depositing rubbish on and around the park, maybe signs to discourage people leaving their household rubbish on the park and surrounding area. I live opposite the park and there is constant rubbish deliberately discarded on edge of park.” “Please cut back trees around fence line of cycling track. They impose walking and sight.”

81


“If facilities improved, sensor lighting should be installed to distract vandals, also video cameras.” “Dogs should be kept on a lead. Check should be made on teenagers and their buzz bikes”. “The playground should provide things for older teenagers eg motorbikes.” “Poor playground facilities and the only one in walking distance so we would love it to be modernized with additional equipment. Sometimes don’t feel safe when baseball is being played because of the hitting of the ball which is dangerous.” “Dog control: Dogs are always off-leash, on athletics track. This is dangerous and should be monitored.” “Require traffic light crossing to sports field opposite Kinross Avenue”. “In the past my children have been members of the baseball, football and little athletics clubs. This ground is a vital community asset.” “I wish that the grass is cut regularly and appropriately. There are big patches on Reserve behind RSL which were missed and also patches with bare soil which could be covered by grass easily.” “Traffic lights should be installed at the corner of Kinross Avenue and Edithvale Road – very busy and dangerous intersection for people crossing over to sporting area in Edithvale Road.” “Ideas for improvement: adult exercise equipment, avoid overuse of grassed areas (soccer is ruining grass) and a drinking fountain.” “A brick wall for tennis and basketball ring.” “Park and cycling areas used frequently with our young family. Would not want facilities decreased in any way, but maybe a bit of a face-lift.” “The athletics facility is a great concept however the surface and pavilions require an upgrade. Update playground would be great with shade as well as adequate pathways for bikes and prams.” “The playground needs updating, it could be bigger and more facilities are needed. Better pathways leading to the playground area are needed and more seating and toilets are needed.” “We use the beach and the bike tracks more than the Reserve.” “Good to see Council is upgrading this Reserve.” “Love natives that bring birds and somewhere to sit and watch, relax and just enjoy or walk.” “We love this park and the beach and the bike path. They are very good, very user-friendly and close to home. They are the main reason we live in Edithvale. However, we are much against the proposed over-developments that are planned for areas within the Kingston area. EG: the 9-storey in Mentone and the 3-storey proposal on Edithvale and Kinross Avenue.” “If Edithvale Common & Oval were not at my doorstep I would definitely use the Edithvale Rec Reserve. It is wonderful to see both venues being used. Would strongly suggest areas to be designated for car parking as it is somewhat very congested on weekends.” “More and improved play equipment would be good thank you.” Being disabled, I need a walking aid and a firm walking base which is at Regents Park, but I have to drive there, so improvements to the Reserve would suit me better.”

82


“We only have small children – I guess when they get bigger we would use the Park and activities more.” “Provision of more shade in some playgrounds would be good with either more trees or some sort of shade sail. More bins for rubbish.” “Let’s make Edithvale proud of its parks.” “Before contemplating improving facilities to increase usage serious and immediate measures need to be made regarding parking during activities that are currently undertaken. It is dangerous and almost impossible to turn right from Bridges Avenue to Edithvale Road – 4 wheel drives block oncoming traffic. Speeding cars along Bridges Avenue – 40km zone and this is NOT adhered to. Parking along Bridges Avenue makes it difficult to exit our property. Functions at night are not controlled and go beyond midnight quite often. Facilities at present CANNOT cope with the already increased usage.” “Some more native trees and shrubs would be great. We hope to use the soccer facilities soon but our kids are a bit young yet.” “Good water fountains would be good for me and my grandchild.” “During weekends, cars parked on the side of Edithvale road make pedestrian crossing hazardous. A side issue is the difficulty for uses driving out from Fraser Avenue and Bridges Avenue road because of visibility.” “Portable buildings near car park very ugly. Playground very close to road-way with poor fencing, dangerous for young kids.” “Would like to praise parks service when made queries in the past, eg: bucket seat for swing on Hughes Ave was done the next day. Play equipment when broken was fixed the same day. Well done.” “Sometime when I’m riding I notice lots of broken glass which could be bad if you fell off your bike. People should take care more and not make a mess of our lovely Reserve.” “Walking track between Braeside and Chelsea Heights bike track used.” “I used to use the Park when my grandchildren were young and found it a friendly pretty park and the children loved it.” “I am sure if I ever retire I will use the facility. I just don’t have the time at the moment.” “I like the beach between Edithvale and Black Rock as they have good standard walks, bins and bags for dog owners including parking, toilets and trees.” “The beach is our major area for play and exercise and parks in the area are secondary to this.” “My granddaughter helped me fill out this form. The outdoors and related facilities are used extensively by our family and we are very supportive of any improvements that will encourage their use by the community.” “Something needs to be done about security. The windows of the main pavilion have been broken by vandals so many times as well as damage to the kitchen. Replace or fix stove and cupboards in canteen/kitchen area. Improve security to stop vandals.”

83


“The toilet facilities need upgrading.” “I have a disabled 3-year-old, would love to see more disabled-friendly playground equipment (such as Frankston foreshore playground on Nepean Highway). The clubhouses are in disrepair and could do with more toilet facilities. Some tables and seating for BBQ/picnics would be welcome too.” “Edithvale Park has had a lot of down-grading. I do family day care – there needs to be more better equipment – all ages it’s not suitable for under 2 years old, no hand washing available.” “Unable to walk streets at night due to poor lighting. Already had a fall, ended up in hospital.” “Measures put in place to stop young vandals abusing area.” “I regularly use the Frankston Beach area, along the Kananook Creek, over the foot bridge, along the boardwalk. Water birds, animals, trees, beach, people exercising – Edithvale has none of this in the one place.” “I have lived in the area all my life and my now grown up children used to use the Athletic Track and Bike Velodrome and now they also have children – they live in Edithvale.” “As frequent users of the Edithvale Reserve for the past 10+ years, we consider ourselves fortunate to be close by and able to utilise the area for our PE/sporting program (especially as we have very limited areas at the school).” “Parking in Kinross Avenue and Field Avenue when several activities or big soccer games are on can be a problem on weekends. Also beach goers in summer down Clydebank and Field, parking is getting worse each year.” “My nieces and nephews use the Reserve a lot.” “Due to increase in traffic problem in Edithvale Road on Sundays, something has to be done. They don’t care where they park. It is very dangerous coming out of Kinross Avenue and the cars parking in the street.” “Pine trees in very poor condition. My grandchildren use the playground, they enjoy it.” “Re-do pavilion and club rooms and make community friendly by adding a café. Cut down old and dangerous trees and replant.” “Really emphasise the facility of more family entertainment, bbq. Shading is very important – additional landscape and UV shade over play area is crucial. Don’t use the athletics venue, but we love to walk down and watch.” “I think that the area between the bowls club and bike track should be developed to encourage families to picnic/bbq and have shade trees and possibly shelters that could be used for children’s parties etc.” “BAN DOGS. NO BOOZE BUSES.” “I think it is important to reserve all these parks and reserves as the High Density Programme for 2030 is removing the traditional back yard, also a lot out parks and reserves are being encroached on.” “I have lived in Edithvale over 40 years and have 3 boys grow up in the area. Have used the Edithvale Reserve many many times and wish to see my grandchildren use it too!!”

84


“Require rubbish bins on walking tracks.” “My kids would really like there to be a basketball ring at the Reserve – there isn’t one in the area.” “Disappointed at the way the traditional types of play equipment at Chelsea Bicentennial park have been removed and replaced with modern equipment. Kids like traditional equipment better. It is nice to have big grassed areas like those at Edithvale Rec Reserve.” “I have used the Reserve ever since I moved here. It’s a great environment, but is does need better drainage, fencing, lighting and in general a better maintenance plan. Perhaps “tiger turf” in the goal mouths? (I am a qualified soccer coach). High fencing near Edithvale Road would also be good.” “Long-time resident whose family uses the Reserve for relaxation rather than organised sports. The level of organised sports is OK but more would mean loss of available area/time for others, more parking problems for visitors. Non-organised sports users also need to be able to use the park at weekends during daylight hours. Larger buildings would spoil the openness of the parkland.” “It is very important we maintain this area and keep sporting clubs there for our children. The playground needs a bit of an update though more sheltered areas should be built.” “Need: More play equipment and seats and paths; better landscaping and planting of new trees; and better fencing for playground near road.” “I have a complaint regarding how the soccer players/spectators park everywhere over footpaths on grass. Very dangerous for bike riders and pedestrians even though you have put poles on the nature strip, they still manage to park all over.” “I can’t play sports. So I don’t frequent the area, but if there were more bbq areas and playgrounds I would bring my family and friends there for sure.” “More facilities for grass roots AFL. The Edithvale Reserve has been taken over (with investment) by soccer and baseball in the past year. Edi Rovers has been relegated to a sub standard facility behind the RSL.” “The existing perimeter parking t the Edithvale Reserve in Bridges Avenue and Fraser Avenue is in a poor state and is visually unattractive. It looks a muddy mess after rain and not much better at other times. The exiting perimeter tree planting, particularly in Bridges Avenue and Fraser Avenue is aged and in poor condition. The existing treated pine hurdles are aged and need upgrading. A perimeter landscape plan needs preparing to incorporate significant improvements to the park particularly for the Bridges Avenue and Fraser Avenue sides. The cycle club building looks terrible and seems a relic of the past. It should be removed and needs of any users incorporated into the main pavilion or an addition to the soccer club pavilion. The soccer club pavilion needs a visual upgrade at least and the portable soccer club building needs removing because it detracts visually from the Reserve and is a target for paint vandals.” “We love the open spaces of Edithvale and it is one reason we chose to buy a house here!” “Edithvale Chelsea area has developed as a popular area for young families. Council providing free gesturers such as great playgrounds would help the community in many ways to having healthy children.”

85


“The playground is very inadequate – too few things, no shade, poor use of space, I would take my children there a lot more if this was improved.” “Plan park to include sporting needs, playgrounds, garden beds, trees planted (not just on edge of park). Do research on other council parks.” “Clubs should be made to clean up Reserve after activities. Mess left after soccer matches is disgraceful.” “I would like to see a tunnel going under Edithvale Road where existing traffic lights are connecting the cycling track. This would separate motor traffic from others and make more time efficient. Perhaps a pond/water feature, better access to wetlands without affecting nature such as boardwalks could be added.” “BBQ facilities would be great. At the moment in the warmer weather we take our own bbq to the Reserve – it would be great to not have to do that. The beach gets worse every year with young people in groups or maybe we are getting older? Park is a good and closer alternative.” “Toilets I understand cannot be open all the time but you cannot rely on the toilets being open like before. We thank the Council for everything, but the sporting bodies need to be made to clean up after their game. The social bike rides and families are all right but we cannot drive on roads without bike riders everywhere. Along any bike paths you get these riders riding for clubs along bike paths at a speed that is too fast. I have used all there is to offer in our area – the thing that we need is walk tracks without bike riders crashing into you. Thanks for the survey. We are lucky to live in an area with wonderful facilities. Please organise social tennis for over 50s or social walking and we would be rapped. Thanks.” “Edithvale Reserve is good for kids to play sport – footy soccer etc, which is good from that point of view.” “Children’s playground improved similar to Chelsea Park; Dogs off-leash area; Playground so also suit older children up to 10yrs.” “Edithvale is a fabulous place ot live as it is in the heart of the green wedge and between the Wetlands and the beach! NO multi-storey development, keep it green!” “I would use the veledrome more if the cyclists weren’t so rude. Most cyclists seem to think they own it and one numerous occasions I have been made to feel like we should not be there. I like to take my son there (8 yrs) so he can ride and I can walk and still see him all the time. We enjoy doing this and taking a picnic during school holidays and we often get told us being there is dangerous for the cyclists. Cyclists need to book and have the area closed to the public if they are doing serious training, otherwise go elsewhere. Having used this park area for 25 years I appreciate how lucky we are to have these facilities but some cyclists need reminding that it is for public use.” “I think it’s a great Reserve the way it is. It’s important to have the large, clear areas for sport but there’s room for extra planting and paths around the outside and the playground could be more inspiring.” “Now my children are grown up I make less use of the parks but recognise their importance to the health of the community and the environment.” “I would like to see more trees planted and hope established trees will not be removed.”

86


“I find that one particular sport has not be catered for adequately despite its monumental rise in popularity and participation – soccer. Council was going to build a large complex in the southern end of the city but has withdrawn this project.” “A public swimming pool is in desperate need in the Edithvale/Chelsea area. Don Tatnell is sometimes too much of an inconvenience to get to, to enjoy the pool.” “I cannot believe in this day and age a soccer club on rate payer founded land can be dominated and affiliated with one ethnic group.” “A swimming pool is greatly needed.” “It would be great if the law requiring dog owners to “pick-up” after their dogs was enforced. Time and time again we see unleashed dogs and owners who don’t care about the mess their dogs make.” “The cement roads around Edithvale are a perfect disgrace. You have just done part of Hughes Avenue lately – why not do all roads completely with asphalt? “Why are good roads being fixed and resurfaced (i.e. Mordialloc Bridge) when there are many shocking roads in the area?” “More dog friendly off lead places” “We do not use the playground facilities on Mordialloc foreshore, although they are excellent, because the entire area is infested with rats and this should be addressed by Kingston Council also”. “The playground needs shade in summer. It’s too hot to use in summer and too wet and cold in winter. Dog poo bins are needed” “No improvements have been made for many years. Park needs landscaping badly, so it can be used for activities other than sports” “We would love to see a park with more updated facilities for children with more choice and BBQ and picnic facilities for families to enjoy with a shaded area and seating” “As a young family we look for good play equipment that is well maintained, shaded and interesting. Also good walking areas for prams” “We really appreciate looking over the Reserve and using it with our grandchildren” “If new bike paths are built make surface suitable for skating” “More lighting. Greater police presence is needed” “I like the Reserve but have a fear of dogs – especially not on leads. I used to go to the park years ago – to watch my son play baseball and enjoyed it but now I am getting old – so not interested now and would not go on my own because of fear”

87