The ‘resourcefulness’ and imaginative layout of the Melton Botanic Garden Nature Playspace was recognised with a landscape design award this month.
Melton council received an award in the Play Spaces category of the 2025 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Victoria Awards at a ceremony on Thursday, June 5.
According to the council, the judges were impressed by the “resourcefulness and imagination at the heart of the community-focused playspace.”
The playspace opened in 2023 and features a range of natural play elements for children to explore and enjoy.
It was designed following community feedback from park users, residents and the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden.
It was jointly funded by Melton and a state botanic garden grants program.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said the garden is “such a treasured place for our community, offering a tranquil open space for residents of all ages to enjoy and attracting visitors from all over.”
“It’s great to see it getting this much-deserved recognition,” Cr Abboushi said.
“This fantastic nature-based playspace has given residents another reason to visit the botanic garden, enjoy the great outdoors and connect with family and friends,” he said.
“This playspace is testament to what can be achieved by working closely with the community to develop a vision and deliver a project that everyone can enjoy.”
Following news of the award, the council is reminding residents that the Melton Botanic Garden Master Plan is open for community consultation until June 30.
According to Melton, the revised master plan will help guide the continued development of the gardens as a whole and ensure it is well maintained into the future.
Details: conversations.melton.vic.gov.au
