Positioned at the gateway to Phillip Island, Graydens Reserve is a vibrant cornerstone of community life and recreation in Newhaven. It is known for its range of amenities including a basketball half-court, playground, and open green spaces. It is much used and a well-loved Reserve, a meeting place that has fostered strong family and community connections. Recognising the evolving needs of the community, Council has developed plans to upgrade and renew the open space and all that it offers whilst managing the fact that part of the current area of the Reserve is owned by Regional Roads Victoria and will be used for a roundabout in coming years.

Late last year we asked for expressions of interest to make up a panel of community members who have a connection to the Reserve to help us co-design the community engagement for Graydens Reserve. This panel of 18 community members met in February this year and spoke about the uses of the Reserve. We heard that it is a popular place for birthday parties, gatherings for families and friends, a stop-off on the way home from school and to and from the Island.

Between 15 May and 16 June, we asked the community about what they would like to see in the reserve through a number of surveys and invited them to an information session on Tuesday 28 May. Having reviewed this feedback, Council developed a draft concept plan for the future of Graydens Reserve and shared it with the community in August. Following this, Council will consider this final round of feedback and prepare a final plan for Council adoption.