Murphy Reserve in Mortlake's new multi-purpose community space is now open!
The space includes a new multi use court, a courtyard with seating, a play nature trail for young children, fencing, new garden beds and canopy tree plantings.
Project Background
Community Consultation
We developed three options for the space and asked the community for input on 23rd February 2019. We had a total of 52 residents providing feedback to the initial ideas for Tom Murphy Reserve.
Three options were presented Option 1 (the multi- sport hardcourt), Option 2A the courtyard, large grassy area and a play/workout zone. Option 2B the focused courtyard on the street corner and a play/workout zone.
Option 1 was the preferred option having a total of 23 votes (44%), while option 2A had 11 votes (21%) and option 2B 18 votes (35%).
There was strong support for providing a multisport hardcourt siting the lack of any facilities like this in the area and the existing provision of playgrounds in around and a new proposed playground in Wangal Reserve.
There was also support for having some additional features for young children in the park –multi use.
The feedback was in favour of the green wall, bench seating, vege-herb garden, shade, bins, street tree canopy, extra trees for shade (not gum trees). Additional suggestions included a mural on the large wall, the green wall area to be reduced to allow for the existing practice of soccer skills by using the wall and a commemorative plaque to be installed for Tom Murphy.
Concerns were raised including:
- Traffic and safety: suggestions to fence the park.
- Parking: this is a neighbourhood park therefore for local residents within walking distance.
- Noise: the noise from the ball sports. A notice sign shall be installed clearly ‘to respect the residents that ball games are not permitted after dark in the reserve ’. The existing use of the wall for ball practice has never been raised as a concern to Council. There will also be badminton court layout and the hard surface can also be used for King Ping, learning to ride for toddlers and provides a surface for future community events.
- Graffiti: the suggestion of a mural will hopefully deter this.
- Dogs: this will be reviewed when the Dogs in Public Strategy has been finalised.
- Commercial use of the park: the park will remain a resident’s neighbourhood park.
- Softfall: this will not be necessary in this design.
Mortlake Primary Schools Art Competition
We found a great opportunity to feature local art into the space along the 100% recycled plastic screens panelling on one wall of the courtyard space. There are 10 hexagons that will feature 3 artworks from students from Mortlake Public School and St Patrick's Primary School. Congratulations to Reuben, Chloe and Chris who will have their art featured forever! You can see the winners and highly commended entries below.
