Melton Botanic Garden's nature-based playspace has received national recognition, taking out top honours in the playspace category at the 2025 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards held in Hobart last week.
Opened in 2023, the playspace was designed to foster children's connection to the natural environment through play. Thoughtfully integrated into the botanic garden, the space features recycled materials, native plants, rocks, logs, sand, and water—creating a rich and varied landscape for exploration and imagination.
Judges praised the project's creative use of natural materials and its ability to deliver a high-quality play experience. They also commended the design team's sensitivity to the surrounding gardens, noting the use of complementary planting and materials that enhance the overall landscape.
The project was jointly funded by Melton City Council and the Growing Victoria's Botanic Gardens Grants program and developed in close collaboration with the community and the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden.
This national accolade follows the project's earlier success at the Victorian AILA Landscape Architecture Awards in June 2025, where it won in the same category.
Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi:
"The Melton Botanic Garden is such special place for our community and this innovative playspace is the result of a truly collaborative effort between Council, the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden, and our community."
"It's such a unique space for children to play, interact freely with nature and learn about their environment."
"It's fantastic to see it recognised on a national stage and is yet another reason for visitors to come and explore our wonderful City."
