Project information

The City of Casey is embarking on the redevelopment of Ray Bastin Reserve in Narre Warren, and we are seeking your feedback on the concept design. This project is driven by our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for local communities and visitors while preserving the natural environment.

The concept design has evolved through initial community engagement conducted in October 2021. This design vision is underpinned by three core principles:

  • Enhanced accessibility: the reimagined reserve will be universally accessible, ensuring inclusivity for individuals of all ages and abilities.
  • Reimagining 'The Rocket Park': while preserving the rocket theme, the project aims to infuse new life and excitement into the park's design and offerings.
  • Connecting to Country: the reserve will pay homage to the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the region, forging a connection to the land and its history.

The concept design incorporates the following exciting features:

  • Upgraded playground
  • Multi-use court
  • Circulation network and activity loop
  • Exercise nodes
  • Social and gathering space with shelter and facilities
  • Sensory and nature-based play
  • Improved path network connection
  • Trees and garden beds.

Your input is valuable in shaping the future of Ray Bastin Reserve.

You can provide your feedback by:

  • Completing the feedback form below
  • Via email to playspacedesign@casey.vic.gov.au
  • In writing to:
    Landscape Design and Construction
    City of Casey
    PO Box 1000
    NARRE WARREN VIC 3805
  • Attending our drop-in session on Tuesday 10 October, 3.30pm - 5.30pm at Ray Bastin Reserve, Norfolk Drive, Narre Warren.

Embracing a space theme, the playground will simulate lunar and martian landscapes, offering an immersive and educational play experience.

Topographical variations resembling cratered surfaces will serve as a central theme, with opportunities for exploration and imagination. The lunar buggy and the rocket can ‘land’ on the extra-terrestrial surface, which can then be explored.

The playful ground takes its shape from the cratered surface of the moon or Mars. The edge becomes an integral element within the park design and the play experience, offering an exciting and unusual surface upon which to roam and explore. Crater-based compartments, connected by circular pathways, will define the playground's structure, ensuring minimal disturbance to the site.

The multi-use court will provide an integrated, inclusive recreational space catering to individuals of all abilities and ages. Custom line markings and diverse ball hoop options (including basketball and netball) will promote creativity and social cohesion.

The design fosters social interaction by allowing both larger groups and smaller clusters to utilize the court simultaneously.

A 550-metre compacted gravel activity track will seamlessly weave through the park, complementing existing pathways.

The gravel surface promotes joint and muscle health during walking or exercise, enhancing overall user experience.

A central lawn area within the loop will serve as a hub for sports and picnics.

Thoughtfully integrated within the park's layout, exercise nodes will provide a diverse range of fitness equipment catering to users of all ages and abilities. A dedicated seniors' exercise node will be positioned adjacent to the gathering space and playground, nestled within a tranquil grove of trees.

Located centrally within the park, the gathering space offers accessibility to all park amenities. It features seating, long bench tables, and barbecues for various group sizes. A sun shelter provides shade, surrounded by garden beds with shade trees. Seating faces outward for park views.

An opening in the shade structure serves as a potential site for cultural ceremonies like a Welcome to Country or smoking ceremony. The space is strategically separated from the adjacent playground and multi-use court, ensuring both ample room for activities and clear visibility across park areas.

The existing path network will be preserved, complemented by new pathways that enhance overall connectivity, providing convenient access to park amenities.

Design approach prioritizes the retention of all existing trees, emphasizing greenery and sustainable landscaping to foster an inviting and natural environment. The planting selection in later design phase will possess cultural significance in Aboriginal traditions and heritage, ensuring a harmonious blend of nature and cultural appreciation within the landscape.

We will handle any personal information you provided in this form in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. You can access your personal information by contacting our Privacy Officer on 9705 5200. For more information please see our Privacy Policy @ www.casey.vic.gov.au

Ray Bastin Reserve overall design

Project background

Ray Bastin Reserve has a regional playground that caters to both a local and regional catchment. The playground is in poor condition and has reached its end of life, requiring replacement.

Initial engagement with the community has taken place to understand the vision and concept to design a new regional playground and at the same time seek feedback for improvements to other infrastructure in the reserve.

What we heard from you:

Feedback captured from children and families will help influence the playground redevelopment with new play elements focusing on:

  • Adventure based play
  • Activity based play
  • Sensory and nature play
  • The replacement of the liberty swing with alternate all-abilities play
  • Connection to country and culture through native vegetation, storytelling, play and exploration areas will also be integrated into the redevelopment.

Additional reserve specific recreational element feedback included:

  • A half multi-use court
  • Walking trail
  • Infrastructure for social inclusion

To view the community survey results summary please click either adult or child/youth.

The Working Group has been collaborating with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure the project is developed in a culturally appropriate and sensitive manner.

Community feedback is being used to shape the vision and direction for the reserve, to inform the detailed design phase of the project, which the community is now invited to provide feedback on.