Council has developed a master plan for VR Michael Reserve in Lalor to improve accessibility and further upgrade the park.

The community is encouraged to share feedback on the draft Master Plan for VR Michael Reserve. This feedback will assist Council to finalise the master plan.

What is the master plan?

The VR Michael Reserve master plan is a high level document providing a broad vision for the area. The master plan does not focus on one specific item or user group, but instead looks at all of the reserve’s features, furniture and users. The master plan aims to find a balance for the needs of all the user groups and the facilities required by the different types of activities. It will outline the improvements required to achieve this balance in a staged action plan. In addition, the plan will need to meet the needs of current and future community and users.

The master plan will investigate:

  • Improving play opportunities, including nature play, and inclusive equipment
  • Providing exercise equipment for all ages
  • Providing informal wheeled sport (skate, BMX, scooter) facilities
  • Upgrading public amenities, furniture, lighting and toilets
  • General landscaping, including trees and garden beds
  • General path and access upgrades

Draft Master Plan

The VR Michael Reserve Draft Master Plan (The Master Plan) guides and provides direction for future upgrades and improvements to VR Michael Reserve. The Master Plan responds to insufficient car parking (on days of Bocce Club gatherings), safety issues, connectivity and community needs along with recommendations to improve the natural environment.

See the draft master plan.

Key Recommendations

  • Realign and upgrade main paths within the reserve to concrete paths
  • New additional park furniture including drinking fountains, bins and (social) seating
  • Relocate the toilet block closer to the proposed play space and picnic area
  • New picnic area with shelters, picnic settings
  • New fitness and exercise station with equipment arranged in groups to allow for socialising
  • Relocate play space further away from Deveny Road upgrade with a range of play experiences and a nature play
  • New multi-use space comprising smaller areas with social seating, drinking fountain and shade trees
  • Proposed dog off-lead area with seats, shelter and a fountain
  • Upgrade car park, comprising over 65 car parking spaces, and new lighting
  • New drop-off area in front of the Bocce Social Club
  • Interpretive signage on the history of V.R. Michael
  • Investigate development of a community garden or a native pollinator garden
  • New informal recreational facilities beneath the future Wollert rail overpass, including a half basketball court, table tennis, skate features, bouldering wall, and outdoor gathering space. To be delivered with the Wollert Rail project.

Future Wollert Rail Corridor Shared Use Path

The Epping Central Structure Plan 2023 outlines a proposed off-road shared path and two options for the alignment of the future Wollert Rail Corridor that passes through VR Michael Reserve. Council Advocacy Prospectus 2023-25 suggests the construction of the rail corridor for 2030.

See the Section from the Proposed Wollert Rail Corridor and Activities Beneath It. Click here for a full screen version.

diagram of wollert rail corridor with various labels - car parks, skate feature, sport courts etc.

Draft master plan

Click on the highlighted spots on the map below to learn more about the key actions of the plan.