Our open space assets allow us to enjoy the many outdoor aspects of Knox. This includes our parks, bushland reserves, playgrounds, and sporting fields.

Approximately $255 million will be allocated to our open space assets. A significant proportion of this ($127 million) is planned to be spent on the day-to-day activities that we undertake to maintain and care for our parks, playgrounds, sportsgrounds, gardens, and streetscapes.

The replacement value of our open space assets is $80.5M, representing 6.5% of our total assets.

Future improvements and major projects

  • Open space upgrades at Scoresby Village Reserve, Scoresby; Egan Lee Reserve, Knoxfield; Quarry Reserve, Ferntree Gully; H.V. Jones Reserve, Ferntree Gully
  • Floodlighting works at Knox Gardens Reserve
  • Lewis Park, Wantirna South Masterplan—Design and stakeholder engagement progressing
  • Stud Park and Tim Neville Arboretum playspace redevelopment
  • Knox Regional Sports Park—Design development for delivery by the Victorian Government
  • Stamford Park wetland development


Future challenges and opportunities

  • Changing Population

    • Increased demand for both passive an active recreation activities across Knox City Council.
    • Supporting services within our open space facilities, pathways, accessibility, furniture.

  • Open Space Provision

    • There will be an increased expectation that we will work towards preserving and increasing the current amount and quality of green space within the city.
    • Daylighting of currently channelled creek corridors within Knox.

  • Participation Patterns

    • Participation and leisure trends have a greater focus on health and enhanced social connectivity.
    • A diverse range of high quality facilities will be needed to meet community demand and all user types.

  • Environmental Sustainability

    • Impacts on parks, gardens and local flora and fauna due to prolonged drought conditions increasing the need for planting of drought tolerant plants and grasses.
    • Potential for higher levels of water consumption to maintain the presentation of open spaces and the safe function of sporting ovals.