Latest updates

About Leo Hoffmann Reserve

Leo Hoffmann Reserve is located on the corner of Newcastle and Oxford Streets in Newport.

There are basic playground and park facilities, pedestrian paths, park benches, a basketball and netball hoop with re-bound wall, cricket nets and a park shelter with seating and picnic tables.

We are upgrading Leo Hoffmann Reserve to enhance your experience of this space.

Final concept plan

Updates

In response to community feedback received on the draft concept plan, we have made some changes to the final concept plan including:

  • Additional shade within and around the playground with roof panels added to the main play structure and a shade sail installed over the sandpit.

  • Additional deciduous and evergreen shade trees within and around the playspace.

  • Final selection of playground equipment to offer a variety of play experiences for a wide range of ages and abilities.

Conditional items

We have also been balancing the overall scope of works to deliver the best outcome for the community, whilst ensuring the project stays within budget.

To be constructed as later stage projects:

  • 🚻 Proposed public toilet facility
  • 🌱 Proposed community garden.

Our applications for state government funding were successfull!

This will allow us to move forward with:

  • 🏃‍♂️ Proposed 'Ninja' activity course, funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria
  • 🏛 Works to improve the existing rotunda, funded by West Gate Neighbourhood Fund.

Final concept plan

Detailed plan of playground area

Stage 2 consultation

Stage 2 consultation

In the first round of consultation, we gathered input on how the community would like to use and enjoy Leo Hoffmann Reserve. Taking into account the comments and suggestions received, we developed a draft concept plan for the reserve.

From 29 August and 25 September 2023, we invited the community to view the draft concept plan below and provide feedback by completing a short online survey.

We've heard you: Our report on your feedback from the second stage of consultation is now available

Explore the draft concept plan. Click on the images below and zoom in to enlarge. Artists impression views have been prepared to help to convey the feel of the spaces once upgraded. Please note - images are best viewed on desktop or horizontally on mobile devices.
Leo Hoffmann Reserve draft concept plan
Leo Hoffmann Reserve draft concept plan
Leo Hoffmann perspective image playground looking east (artist's impression)
Leo Hoffmann perspective image playground looking east
Leo Hoffmann aerial perspective open lawn area looking north-east (artist's impression)
Leo Hoffmann aerial perspective open lawn area looking north-east

The draft concept plan has been created in consideration of engagement feedback and suggestions. The plan incorporates several key elements including:

  • The existing rebound wall to undergo enhancements, with a new extended concrete surface. Additionally, the shared half court for basketball and netball to be relocated further away from the rebound wall, creating extra space for playing purposes.

  • The open lawn area to undergo upgrades, including the installation of irrigation, leveling of the surface, addition of new turf, and construction of a perimeter footpath.

  • Upgrades to the existing playground, catering to children aged 1 year to 12+. The playground includes a flying fox and incorporates accessibility features.

  • A Ninja Course has been proposed to cater to individuals aged 12 and older, following community consultation which highlighted the demand for activities targeted at older kids. The course offers a challenging fitness experience, designed to test agility, strength, and perseverance.

  • A new picnic and BBQ area is planned, featuring shelter and picnic tables in close proximity to the playground. Additionally, the existing shelter will undergo improvements, including new paving, BBQ facilities, and updated furniture.

  • A new community garden at the presently fenced-off area. It will not be available for conversion into a dog off-leash area due to the presence of an existing dog off-leash zone at Newport Lakes Reserve. See the map of existing dog off-leash areas in Hobsons Bay.

    Click here to view the map ↗ 

  • A new footpath constructed along the boundary of Newcastle Street.

  • A grassed amphitheatre established at the location currently occupied by the hopscotch area.

  • A second-year staged project is proposed for the construction of a public toilet facility. The chosen location offers visibility and is strategically close to the playground, picnic shelter, and oval. Considerations include the presence of the existing sewer line and the historical location of the previous toilet facility.

    Click to view Hobsons Bay public toilet strategy 

  • Additional seating throughout the reserve.

Playground equipment examples

The playground is being upgraded to include all-abilities play equipment, catering to active and imaginative play for all age groups. This upgrade will also incorporate nature play elements and the addition of more shade trees.
2-SEAT SWING with 1 x toddler and 1 x flat seat.
2-SEAT SWING with 1 x toddler and 1 x flat seat.
ROTATING BASKET SEAT SWING for all ages and abilities.
ROTATING BASKET SEAT SWING for all ages and abilities.
ACCESSIBLE CAROUSEL with bench seat and space for a wheelchair.
ACCESSIBLE CAROUSEL with bench seat and space for a wheelchair.
SANDPIT with TIMBER SANDPLAY UNIT with sand buckets, chutes and sieve.
SANDPIT with TIMBER SANDPLAY UNIT with sand buckets, chutes and sieve.
ROCKING TIMBER PLATFORMS for a gently rocking seat or challenging steppers.
ROCKING TIMBER PLATFORMS for a gently rocking seat or challenging steppers.
4-SEAT SPRING ROCKER
4-SEAT SPRING ROCKER
MULTI-ACTIVITY STRUCTURE with a range of climbing activities, slide, fireman’s pole, climbing nets accessible upper deck and ground level activities.
​MULTI-ACTIVITY TIMBER and STEEL STRUCTURE
MULTI-ACTIVITY STRUCTURE with a range of climbing activities, slide, fireman’s pole, climbing nets accessible upper deck and ground level activities.
​​MULTI-ACTIVITY STRUCTURE
MULTI-ACTIVITY STRUCTURE with a range of climbing activities, slide, fireman’s pole, climbing nets accessible upper deck and ground level activities.
​​MULTI-ACTIVITY STRUCTURE
EMBANKMENT SLIDE - Double-width for 2 or more users.
EMBANKMENT SLIDE Double-width for 2 or more users.
FLYING FOX
FLYING FOX

Proposed Ninja obstacle course

A Ninja obstacle course is a challenging activity/exercise course for users aged from 12 years.

Stage 1 consultation

Stage 1 consultation

From 21 March to 25 April 2023, we had a chance to hear from you about how you want to use and experience Leo Hoffmann Reserve. It was great to get feedback from everyone in the first stage of consultation.

We've heard you: Our report on your feedback from the first stage of consultation is now available

Feedback we are looking for

Council is open to the idea of adding BBQ facilities at this location, but only if it's what most of the local community wants. We want to work closely with the community to make sure we're making the right decision.

However, it's important to note that our budget for the playground is limited, so any additional facilities we add will affect the amount of play equipment we can afford.

Council is willing to explore the option of adding public toilet facilities at this location, but only if it's what the majority of the local community wants. We value the input of the community and will work closely with them to ensure that their needs are met.

Yes, built shade, furniture and drinking water will all be considered in this play space design and upgrade.

Just like with the BBQ facilities, the Council's budget for the play space is limited. Any additional facilities will have to be assessed in terms of their impact on the play equipment. If the majority of the community supports the idea of adding more facilities and if a suitable and safe location can be found without disturbing the nearby residents' peace and quiet, we will definitely consider it

The green area indicated in the map below, existing equipment and facilities.