Bruce Comben Reserve

Location
Altona Meadows in Boonwurrung Country

About
This project creates a useable, vibrant open space catering to the varied needs of the community surrounding the reserve. The site is fortunate to include the significant ecological corridor of the Skeleton Creek including The Emu foot grassland, which was used to inspire design outcomes through use of natural sustainable materials, native plantings and sculptural art elements to re-connect children with nature.

The project builds on the master plan which was adopted in 2021. It focuses on the design and implementation of the entire southern portion of the site including a new regionally significant playspace; multi-purpose sports court for basketball, netball and sepak takraw; new picnic facilities and restrooms to promote longer stays; off street car parking with water sensitive urban design initiatives to control pollutant run-off, and a new sports field to meet the demands of juniorrugby and cricket. The reserve will become a desired destination for the local community and promote additional recreational opportunities for a site which is significantly underutilised.

Critical to the design process was ACLA’s ability to manage Council and community expectations, budget constraints and the amelioration of soil contaminated hot spots which were subsequently removed from site.

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