About
The redevelopment of Johnstone Street Reserve, located in the heart of Broadmeadow’s Civic Precinct, is a testament to effective urban planning and design. Originally a landfill site closed in the early 1970s, it has since been transformed into a popular community space with excellent connectivity to Moonee Ponds Creek and Jacana Valley Parklands.

The project’s planning and design process faced several challenges, notably the need to protect the integrity of the landfill’s clay cap layer, preventing any penetration. To overcome this, a creative solution involved importing and compacting fill above the existing ground, creating a new landform upon which all recreational elements were constructed.

The redevelopment offers a wide range of play opportunities catering to various age groups. It includes a revitalized playspace with combination play units suitable for all ages, swings, carousels, climbing structures, and agility trails. These features promote accessible, inclusive, and intergenerational play experiences. The use of strategically placed rocks creates terraced play zones, offering opportunities to scramble across and between different levels, adding an element of adventure.

The project’s contributions extend beyond the playspace, encompassing upgrades to the hardcourt to accommodate additional ball sports, fitness stations for both youth and seniors, and a learn-to-ride and scoot track for young children and beginners. These enhancements transform the reserve into a multi-functional space that promotes physical activity and community engagement.
Overall, this project showcases ACLA’s ability to work on complex sites, even when constrained by challenging subsoil conditions. It demonstrates a commitment to making public spaces fully accessible, compliant, and inclusive, enriching the community’s recreational options.