A draft concept design is a document that helps guide design of a site, how it will look, function, and feel. In this case the draft concept design will guide the detailed design and future use of Ashley Park Recreation Reserve, outlining proposed improvements to the initial plan.

The plan aims to address the growing need for purpose-built community sporting facilities to support organised sport, as well as recreation spaces for the broader community to enjoy.

Council has developed a draft concept plan that proposes upgrading the reserve to include:

• two competition-standard soccer pitches (one synthetic, one natural turf)
• multipurpose community sports pavilion
• fitness equipment and sports court
• playground with shelters, drinking fountains and bins
• car park, public toilet and paths.

Yes! We are inviting residents to share their thoughts on the draft plan.

Residents are invited to fill out a short online survey, or attend an in-person community consultation session, to provide feedback before consultation closes on 8 December 2025.

All feedback gathered during the community consultation period will help inform the actions of the final plan.

Soccer is an extremely popular sport in Doreen, Mernda and South Morang, however, soccer clubs in the region, Bundoora United and Doreen United, have reached their registration capacity.

Council’s draft Sport and Leisure Infrastructure Plan forecasts that by 2041 these three suburbs will need 14 fields to keep pace with demand. Currently, there are only four fields.

One of the two soccer pitches planned for Ashley Park Recreation Reserve will be a synthetic surface, while the other will be natural turf.

Together, these pitches will allow more people, including women and girls, to take part in both organised and recreational sporting activities.

Council has obligations in the Mernda Strategy Plan (2004) and Mernda Developer Contributions Plan (DCP) to construct an active open space at the Ashley Park Recreation Reserve. This project will deliver on these obligations, which Council has received DCP funding for.

As this project is one of the last available sporting reserves earmarked for development in the Mernda Strategy Plan, its completion is crucial to alleviating the pressure on existing clubs and providing opportunities for new participants to engage in formal and informal sporting activities.

Yes, as part of the implementation of the concept design, on-site parking has been included to alleviate pressure on surrounding roads for park users.

Yes, speed restrictions may be in place during construction. Construction vehicles will be present on Adoquin Street, Moonstone Street, and surrounding areas. Residents will be notified in advance of any disruptions.

Yes, construction noise is expected. Residents will be notified in advance of any works happening in the area.