Just add water: Park upgrade makes a splash with families
Published on 17 November 2025
Cloudy skies did nothing to dull the joyous mood as dozens of local families showed up to celebrate the water being turned on at the revamped Hill Top Splash Park and Playground in Doreen.
The City of Whittlesea held the community event on Monday 10 November to mark the official opening of the park’s new 150 square metre splash pad, which will be the perfect way to beat the heat this summer.
While free ice cream and coffee sweetened the deal, it was the new splash pad and expansive playground delivered as part of the $2.6 million upgrade of the Landano Way Park that proved the main attraction.
Informed by more than 700 individual submissions across two phases of community consultation, the park’s design includes a 150 square metre splash pad featuring jets, misters and water channels.
The playground, which opened to the public in August, includes among its features slides, swings, climbing nets and a trampoline, as well as a dedicated area for younger children to play.
The park also has a strong emphasis on nature play, with logs, boulders and winding paths for children to explore, while there are large picnic shelters and barbecues for family gatherings.
An upgraded car park, new public toilets, accessible paths and surfaces for people with impaired mobility and a Changing Places facility for people with higher needs ensure the park is welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.
The water to the splash pad, which is treated and recycled, will remain on during the warmer months before being switched off over winter.
Council contributed $600,000 towards the project, with the Australian Government providing $1.5 million from its Investing in Our Communities Program and the Victorian Government providing $500,000 from its Open Space for Everyone – Better Parks and Playgrounds Program.
Quotes from City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox:
“The upgraded Hill Top Splash Park and Playground in Doreen is a fantastic place where the whole family can go and enjoy quality time together.
“Visitors to the park have been enjoying the new playground since it opened earlier in the year and now the splash pad is sure to be a hit as the weather warms up.
“This is a wonderful example of how different levels of government can work together to deliver something that will benefit the community for many years to come.
“We thank both the Federal and State Government in helping make this park a success. The local members Rob Mitchell MP and Lauren Kathage MP have been critical to the successful outcome to this project.”