The future of the Ellen Grove parks precinct is moving towards its next major planning stage, with detailed design expected to begin in 2026 for proposed improvements at Ellen Grove District Park and Waterford Road Park.
Detailed Design Expected For Ellen Grove Parks Precinct In 2026
The project remains in the planning stage, but the direction is now clearer for two parks intended to support play, sport, gathering spaces and green areas for a growing community.
The plan covers Ellen Grove District Park and Waterford Road Park. Proposed features include open space, shelters, picnic tables, a playground, tennis courts and a clubhouse with a kiosk, pro shop, bathrooms and meeting facilities.
Natural areas are also part of the planning direction. The project material states that surrounding environmental values will be considered, protected and enhanced as future improvements are developed.
Local Ideas Helped Shape The Park Plans
Early feedback was gathered from 22 May to 13 June 2023, when more than 100 people contributed ideas for the parks. For Ellen Grove District Park, suggestions included climbing ropes, swings, slides, accessible play equipment and a playground designed to fit with the natural setting.
Local input also pointed to the need for places to gather, including shaded seating, picnic and barbecue areas, shelters and toilets. Improved paths through and around the park were also raised, with interest in routes suitable for walking, cycling, scooters, prams and wheelchairs.
For Waterford Road Park, the strongest themes centred on keeping existing trees, maintaining the natural environment and adding practical features that would make the space easier to use.
Suggested improvements included seating, picnic and barbecue areas, and walkable pathways. Broader comments also raised safe access, better connectivity between the parks, secure open spaces and consideration of lighting and noise.
Support And Concerns Raised During Later Feedback
A second engagement period ran from 4 November to 1 December 2024 after the draft concept plan was released. During that stage, 144 feedback surveys were submitted and about 80 people attended information kiosks.
Most survey responses supported the proposed features, with 121 of 144 responses indicating support or strong support. A proposed green space for informal gatherings or sport was also positively received, with 109 respondents saying they would likely use that type of area.
More than 70 per cent of survey respondents indicated the proposed clubhouse and kiosk would improve the visitor experience. Accessible pathways were also expected to be well used, with 136 of 143 respondents saying they would use them for exercise, movement through the area or walking dogs.
The feedback also identified issues to be considered as the project moves forward. Concerns included stormwater runoff, increased traffic from park visitors and the need for more car parking.
Some attendees also raised the need for better pathways and pedestrian crossings to make access to the parks easier. Others raised concerns about lighting linked to the proposed tennis courts, including light pollution and possible curfews for lights and hours of play.
Additional ideas suggested during engagement included waterplay, table tennis, volleyball space and more shade.
Works are expected to commence in 2028, although construction timing remains subject to weather and future funding.
The plan sets a long-term direction for more active park spaces while retaining a focus on trees, natural areas and everyday community use.
Published 20-May-2026
