Frankston City Council’s ambitious vision to build healthier, more connected communities is taking shape, with more than $11 million invested in upgrading 17 play spaces since 2021 — and more to come.
Five new upgrades were completed across the municipality in 2024-25, including at Monique Reserve (Langwarrin), East Seaford Reserve (Seaford), Lucerne Reserve (Karingal) and Heysen Reserve (Skye). Brunel Reserve in Seaford is the next to open, featuring swings, trampolines, diverse play units, seating and landscaping, alongside the return of the park’s refurbished red tractor — a local favourite set to delight a new generation.
Council has earmarked a further $1.57 million in its latest budget to deliver the next round of improvements at Heritage (Skye), Ferndale (Frankston), Athol (Langwarrin), Lipton (Frankston) and Gamble (Carrum Downs) Reserves. Funding has also been set aside to progress planning and design for future play space upgrades in coming years.
Cr David Asker said the upgrades demonstrate Council’s commitment to providing safe, accessible and inclusive places for families to play, exercise and gather.
“We really value our open space in Frankston City and with 123 play spaces spread across each suburb, from Skye to Seaford, families are never far from a fun, safe place to play and connect,” Asker said.
“At a time when backyards are shrinking, this matters more than ever — for kids, for community, and for local businesses — who all benefit.”
Cr Sue Baker also highlighted the broader health benefits.
“Our play spaces really are more than ‘play equipment’. They’re places to stay active and healthy close to home and build connections — whether that’s playing on the monkey bars, sharing a picnic with friends, taking a stroll or shooting some hoops,” Baker said.
“The physical and mental benefits are well documented, and wellbeing is something we always prioritise for our community.”
The momentum has also attracted significant support from state and federal governments, with an additional $2.1 million granted in recent years to back projects like the Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve, Rosemary Reserve in Frankston North, and Sandfield Reserve in Carrum Downs, due for completion within weeks.
The Victorian Government has now pledged a further $1.5 million for upgrades to Banyan Reserve in Carrum Downs — part of a proposed new pump track and play space — plus $240,000 for Heritage Reserve in Skye.
The work sits under Frankston City’s Play Strategy, a 10-year plan endorsed in 2021 after widespread community consultation. The strategy, together with Council’s Let’s Plan Implementation Plan, recently earned state-level awards from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, and is in the running for national honours to be announced in October.
