Located within the rapidly expanding community of Mambourin in Melbourne’s west, the Mambourin Marketplace playspace has been designed as more than a place for children to play. Delivered as part of Frasers Property Australia’s masterplanned development, the project creates a welcoming destination that encourages families to pause, gather and connect; supporting both community life and the vitality of the retail precinct.
Central to the project was the creation of an engaging outdoor play environment capable of accommodating children from toddlers through to older primary school ages. Playground supplier PlayCo was responsible for the design, manufacture and installation of the playspace, delivering a carefully considered play landscape that balances safety, challenge and inclusivity. The brief called for a fun and innovative environment that would encourage longer dwell times for visitors while offering parents and carers a comfortable space to rest and supervise.
The design is anchored by the Nature Tower, an iconic vertical play element that draws children into the space from across the marketplace. Constructed using durable aluminium framing with composite cladding, the structure incorporates rope platforms, climbing elements, slides and a firepole. By its very nature it encourages adventurous, active play while maintaining robust performance within a busy retail setting.
Surrounding the tower, a series of play zones provide experiences tailored to different ages and abilities. Younger children can explore the Junior Fort, equipped with sensory activity panels, climbing elements and a gentle slide designed specifically for early childhood play. Musical elements such as timber chimes and jungle drums introduce sensory engagement, while natural play components such as log balance trails and timber stepping elements add texture and movement to the landscape.
Safety and comfort were key design considerations throughout the project. Impact-attenuated wetpour rubber surfacing provides durable fall protection beneath equipment, while shade sails ensure the space remains usable even during warmer months. Sightlines across the play area were carefully considered to allow carers to supervise children easily from surrounding seating areas.
Equally important to the identity of the space is the large-scale wall mural created by artist Chloe Chatterton. Titled Woven Through Country, the artwork tells the story of connection to Wadawurrung Country through flowing pathways, meeting place symbols and representations of native landscapes. At its centre lies a symbolic gathering place representing the Mambourin community, while the presence of Bundjil — the Wadawurrung Spirit Creator — watches over the land and its people.
Together the play environment and artwork establish a meaningful sense of place. By combining contemporary play design with cultural storytelling, the project creates a space that celebrates community, acknowledges Country and provides a vibrant destination for families within Melbourne’s growing western corridor.
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PROJECT PARTICULARS
CLIENT Frasers Property Australia
LOCATION Mambourin, Victoria
MURAL ARTWORK Chloe Chatteron
DESIGN, MANUFACTURE & INSTALL PlayCo
