Background
The Hume Open Space Strategy identifies John Coutts Reserve as a priority site for upgrade.
This is a long awaited upgrade, as initial planning, including community engagements began in 2007, but was delayed by the widening of the M80 Ring Road.
The last community engagement took place in 2022, where the proposal for residential housing on a portion of the site was tested with the community. This housing was not supported and is not proposed as part of this project.
We have developed a concept plan based on technical assessments of the site and previous community consultation. The draft concept plan proposes:
- new play spaces for a range of activities and abilities
- a scooter/bike/skate circuit
- new recreational spaces for social gathering and planned events
- picnic facilities including: shelters, drinking fountains, shaded lawn areas and public toilets
- multi-purpose sports courts and kick-about areas
- park seating
- garden beds and tree planting
- wayfinding signage
- a bicycle repair station
- path connections, including walking loops.
The upgrade will allow spaces for social recreation as well as social and organised events.
The final scope of works will be dependent on the final budget, to be determined upon completion of community engagement.
Previous community feedback
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback in 2022 on what you like to do, and what you’d like to see at John Coutts Reserve. Read the full summary report here.
The main things people said they'd like to see in John Coutts Reserve were:
The draft concept plan
The draft concept plan is shown below. Click on the pink flashing circles to understand more of the design. You can expand the image by clicking on the arrows icon at the top right hand side.
For a more detailed plan, see the draft concept plan here.
How to participate
We'd love to hear what you like and also what you'd change about the draft concept plan, including:
- the play equipment
- the picnic facilities
- the sporting and recreation facilities.
Let us know using the tabs below.
What I like
What I like
What do you like about the draft concept plan? (max 140 characters).
7 August, 2025
Charlotte says:
I like the Quokka! Put it in the middle of the park.
4 August, 2025
James says:
My youngest will love the rope stepping trail, flying fox and the tower with red & white slide while my oldest plays basketball. Great Work!
3 August, 2025
Jeff says:
Water fountain area for dogs
3 August, 2025
Peter says:
I like that you've included toilets, is hard to have a BBQ without
1 August, 2025
BTM says:
I like that there is a children's playground and areas to promote playing sport.
31 July, 2025
DJ says:
It looks amazing, only thing that is missing is a train station.
31 July, 2025
Leiza says:
Let's go , my house backs on to John coutts and lived here 39 years . I just love the plans
Well done
31 July, 2025
SP says:
Make the play space big, with slides, climbing equipment, balancing, swings, large round swing for multiple people to sit on, nature play.
31 July, 2025
James says:
The power box at the John coutts entrance from gabrielle crescent is an eye-saw with the graffiti and always illegal dumping of rubbish .
30 July, 2025
Sam says:
I like this idea. I think a fenced play area would be a nice safety feature for parents. Also perhaps a larger playground for ages 1-6.
30 July, 2025
Josie says:
I love this idea ! Very excited about all.
30 July, 2025
Ken Watson says:
If you do, do this it would be really good. Toilets are a must.
What I'd change
What I'd change
What changes would you make to the draft concept plan? (max 140 characters).
4 August, 2025
Artin says:
The grass on the soccer pitch so that it is more suitable for soccer.
2 August, 2025
Close Neighbour says:
I can see the skate/bike & seating areas being a hangout at night causing issues. I request locating them near the freeway or removing them.
1 August, 2025
BTM says:
I would not include the scooter/bike/skate circuit
1 August, 2025
Daniel says:
Off leash dog area should be fenced.
1 August, 2025
CatS says:
Water station. BMX track = awesome! Pickleball & basketball lines. Sand and water play. Flying fox. Gumnut Park equivalent play equiptment.
31 July, 2025
EP says:
I respectfully ask that no skateparks or bike tracks be included in the reserve plans to maintain peace for nearby residents.
30 July, 2025
TinaGatt says:
No skating area as I believe it’s dangerous especially for children. A cycling/scooter area level with ground is best.
30 July, 2025
JME says:
Is the dog off leash area fenced? As some children as scared of dogs and owners aren't always responsible for their dogs.
30 July, 2025
Sue T says:
I would like a smaller area for sport and more trees
25 July, 2025
BLA says:
Possibly fence the dog area, a community herb/vege garden, consider AFL goals (soccer elsewhere) bike traffic school space, add more parking
25 July, 2025
Emmie says:
More seating throughout the reserve, not just near the play areas. Ensuring the dog off leash area and playgrounds have fencing around them
25 July, 2025
Keegan S says:
Can we please have some footy goals instead of soccer goals as part of the active play area
