The fast-developing Pakenham East will get a brand-new playground built by the same minds that created Officer’s popular Dragon Park.
A unique one-hectare park said to be inspired by the classic Aussie backyard will be built in the Maple Grove Estate in Pakenham East. Recently approved by the council – the park’s design includes a towering cubby fortress, a Hills Hoist-inspired helicopter, a flying fox and billy carts.
Perth-based company Satterley is developing the estate. Development Director for Victoria Julian Hill explained, “We wanted to capture the essence of places where kids have room to roam, explore, and play freely. “This design reflects that spirit, blending elements of suburban and rural life to create something truly unique.”
The park’s design is inspired by Maple Grove’s location on the edge of Melbourne’s growth corridor, where suburban meets rural.
“Some kids here grew up with big backyards and open paddocks, while others haven’t had that same experience,” Julian said.
“The park creates a space where all kids can feel that sense of freedom.
“We wanted it to look as though it could have been built by kids themselves, where every detail adds to the experience of adventure.”
Satterley already has a well-known playground locally; Dragon Park in their Acadia Estate in Officer.
They have employed the custom playground firm Agency of Sculpture for this new project, the same designers they used in Acadia.
“Given the success of Dragon Park in Arcadia Estate at Officer, it was a no brainer to do something different and bespoke for Maple Grove,” Julian said.
“Melbourne is renowned for its creativity, art spaces and public sculptures but that doesn’t always extend to the growth corridors. We want to change that by creating unique and interesting spaces that inspire communities and tell a story about the local area.”
Satterley expects construction of Maple Grove’s Stage 3 park to commence in June 2025 and take an estimated 12 months to complete.
Maple Grove Estate will stretch from the eastern side of a large proportion of Ryan Road with the Princes Freeway making up the southern border. It will be the closest new development to the recently constructed Pakenham East Station.
The masterplan includes two local parks, a wetland reserve and a future state school.
