The population of Hume, Victoria, is young, diverse, and rapidly growing. Supported by the Victorian Government through the Parks Revitalisation Grants Program and the Growing Suburbs Fund, Hume City Council led the redevelopment of Progress Reserve, a previously underutilised park in Coolaroo. The first stage of this transformation has enhanced connectivity with Coolaroo Train Station, improved playgrounds and public amenities, created inviting spaces for passive recreation, incorporated water-sensitive urban design features, and increased tree canopy and native greenery.

The primary goal of the project was to create a high-quality open space prioritising safety, accessibility, and inclusivity for the Coolaroo community. Hansen Partnership’s landscape architecture team led a multi-disciplinary team of consultants and engineers, collaborating closely with community groups throughout the design process. The upgrades align with the Progress Reserve Draft Masterplan (by others) and the final Masterplan, validated by Hansen Partnership.

The revitalised park now serves as a local hub, offering a new inclusive, all-abilities play space. A newly designed path network, picnic and BBQ areas, and a scooter track encourage connection and play within the community. Expansive garden beds, the retention of mature trees, new swales, and additional tree canopy not only enhance the space but also support Hume City Council’s Environmental Sustainable Design strategies and canopy cover targets.

The design of the play environment draws inspiration from the diverse local cultures, languages, and Indigenous species. Geometric star patterns and vibrant blue hues symbolise the language of the universe. The play space includes equipment that caters to a range of abilities, offering opportunities for both junior and senior levels of play. The scooter track’s organic, undulating shape preserves existing trees and incorporates excavated soil, with its sinuous form and brown finish paying tribute to the locally Indigenous Eastern brown snake. Native plant species were prioritised for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and contribution to local biodiversity.

The revitalisation of Progress Reserve sets the stage for future development, contributing to the medium- and long-term objectives of the Masterplan.

Reimagined to better serve Hume’s evolving, young, and diverse community, Progress Reserve—delivered in collaboration between Hansen Partnership and Hume City Council—now offers a safer, all-abilities play space and a more connected open space network. Drawing inspiration from local Indigenous species, cultures, and languages, the design features geometric star patterns, a vibrant blue palette, native plantings to enhance biodiversity, and a scooter track designed to protect existing trees and symbolise the Eastern brown snake. This revitalisation lays the foundation for the next stages of development.