Banksia Reserve - Our Hidden Community Asset

As multiple occupancy dwellings continue to change our Eaglemont neighbourhood character, we need to best use every available community asset for recreation and play space.

Our local community group Friends of Eaglemont Village is liaising with Banyule Council to bring Banksia Reserve up to standard as a local park fit for purpose.

Banksia Reserve exists as the remnant of a compensatory parcel of land transferred from State to Local Government following the takeover of a large slice of nearby Remembrance Park for roadworks.

Friends of Eaglemont Village (FofEV) seeks to co-design, co-construct and co-maintain a local park suitable for passive recreation use by all age groups.

There are no pre-conceived ideas to be imposed on the site.

There are some assumptions:

• mature native trees on the site will remain

• native plants capable of surviving without irrigation will be introduced as landscaped garden beds

• bio-diversity of plantings per grasses, herbage, groundcovers and small shrubs to encourage birds and insects will be a priority

• lines of sight right across the space will be maintained for safety reasons

• approximately 40% of the area will become planted beds

• perimeter fencing will NOT be sought

• seating will be introduced

• ball play equipment will NOT be sought eg a basketball ring or hitting wall

• clamber play opportunities for pre-schoolers eg boulders and logs will be sought

• lighting will NOT be sought

• dog "off-lead" will NOT be sought

• parkland will NOT be converted to parking spaces

• the community will be encouraged and supported to be fully involved in the design, development and maintenance of the Banksia Reserve.