Festivals & Events
Alma Park
Alma Park was formally established as crown land in August 1868, on request from residents of East St Kilda. Known formally, as the East St Kilda Recreation Reserve, it was used as a loam deposit, a depot for road metal and also a grazing ground for goats and fowl. In 1859, the land was severed into two by the Brighton railway line.
Facilities checklist
Online Map Reference - 3
Melways Reference 58E9
| Alma Park Facilities | Toilet | BBQ | Playground | Shelter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
In 1867, designer Clement Hodgkinson was commissioned to design the St Kilda recreational reserve, known today as Alma Park, Clement had an impressive portfolio, he had previously designed Treasury Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and Flagstaff Gardens in Melbourne. Later he was commissioned to design St Vincent's Gardens in Albert Park.
The park encompasses significant avenues of mature trees, a colourful central shrub walk, bike path, playground, gazebo, sports oval which was illuminated for night soccer games in 2006, toilets and BBQ facilities. Decorative lighting has been installed in several trees and other feature elements like the rotunda and the 'Listening Place' which is a talking seat, designed by Ros Bandt and Julie Shields for the Margins, Memories and Markers project. The seat tells tales of local people's memories about East St Kilda and Alma Park.
A creative playground with a touch of Harry Potter sits in the junior section of the playground a two story castle with slide, speaker tubes and crawl tunnel is designed by Architect Zoe Metherall and features hand carved wooden animals by local artist James Cattlell. Skippy and his mates Wombat and Potteroo welcome the children into the playground.
New Senior Playground
The senior playground has had a total facelift. New free standing play equipment has been installed, re-sculpting of the existing 'slug' creature has improved its play value and improved picnic facilities injects life into the space.
The 'slug' has been re-sculpted to allow for play equipment to be fixed along it, items include a scramble net, climbing and sliding elements. The 'slugs' head has been adorned with a collage of mosaic tiles to bring the creature to life.
The picnic area has been redesigned and features the newly designed 2 and 3 metre picnic table sets. The longer tables will allow for parties and group gatherings.
For further information contact Christa Mitchell, Project Coordinator 9209 6839.
Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer phone ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for the Administrative Officer of Parks & Open Space.
