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).
25 July, 2025
JM says:
Scooter/bike pump track, nature play, multicourts. The community would love some water play in the nature play area!
25 July, 2025
Tomas says:
Great to see the space being used widely and it maintaining something for everyone.
Hopefully a small carpark upgrade can be included.
25 July, 2025
Leanne P says:
I like the diversity of the area. Something for everyone. I think the dog off leash area should be fenced with a number of access gates.
25 July, 2025
BLA says:
Lots of variety for all, very practical. More concrete paths and kid friendly features is great. Could be the best park in 3043!
25 July, 2025
Emmie says:
The play equipment, toilets, bbq areas. The fact the dog off leash area is away from the main areas.
25 July, 2025
Helen says:
I don't like Dog off the leash area as dogs can wander over out of the area. So many dog attacks lately in Gladstone Park. Not safe.
25 July, 2025
Keegan S says:
i like the junior play area. Dog off leash area as well.
25 July, 2025
Gerard Greaney says:
Great use of local Park Land.
What I'd change
What I'd change
What changes would you make to the draft concept plan? (max 140 characters).
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
