Maritime Cove Playspace is an integrated destinational playspace within the Perc White Reserve, Port Melbourne. OCULUS was engaged by the Port of Melbourne Corporation to create this maritime-themed playspace nestled in the dunal foreshore setting of Port Phillip. The project provided an opportunity to develop a distinctive and bespoke nature-based playspace environment that incorporates a range of activities for children and adults.

The playspace design is integrated into the dynamic landscape and network of existing timber boardwalks, maximising use while retaining valuable fairy wren habitat. The design enhances the site’s context, with play elements offering views across both the bay and port. It combines decommissioned and re-purposed maritime objects – including mooring buoys and channel markers – capturing the site’s maritime and industrial history.

In developing the vision for the project, a series of stakeholder and community engagement workshops was undertaken to ensure the proposed design to capture the needs and aspirations of the community including local school children. This process heavily informed the design outcome and selection of water play, inter-generational play and exercise equipment for a variety of age ranges, from young children to seniors.

The playspace is curated and gradated – based on risk and interest – from below 3 years of age through to teenagers. The design includes customised and bespoke equipment, engaging the senses with water and sound. Interpretative signage educates the community about the re-purposed equipment.