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| Photo Credit - MRCC |
The draft concept for the proposed Mildura Riverfront Adventure Playspace is now online, and it is well worth a look.
Mildura Rural City Council has released the draft plans through its "Your Say" page, giving locals, families, visitors and businesses a chance to see what is being proposed for Jaycee Park and provide feedback before the design moves further along.
And from what has been shown so far, this is not just a playground with a few swings and slides. The concept includes some pretty eye-catching ideas, including a paddlesteamer with a six-metre slide, Pondi the Giant Murray Cod, a flying fox, improved paths, shade, seating, barbecue areas and play spaces aimed at a broad range of ages and abilities. Council says feedback is open until 1 June 2026, with delivery still subject to funding, detailed design and procurement.
A proper riverfront attraction
Jaycee Park is already one of Mildura’s best-known riverfront spots. It is close to the Murray, the walking tracks, the Water Play Park, Bobby + Me, the Powerhouse precinct, Nowingi Place and the wider riverfront area.
That makes it a pretty handy location for something like this.
For families visiting Mildura, a high-quality adventure playspace gives them another reason to stop, stay longer and explore the riverfront properly. It becomes the sort of place where kids can burn off energy, parents can grab a coffee, and visitors can turn a quick walk along the river into a couple of hours out and about.
If you are travelling with kids, a good playground can be the difference between “we’ll just pass through” and “we might stay another night.”
Good for locals, good for visitors
For locals, this would give families another free outdoor space to enjoy, and one that celebrates Mildura’s river story rather than feeling like a generic playground dropped in from anywhere.
The draft concept aims to reflect the historic, natural and cultural significance of Jaycee Park, while delivering a regional-level playspace for different ages, abilities and backgrounds.
That matters. Mildura’s riverfront has come a long way over the years, and this sort of project helps tie it all together. It gives locals another reason to use the space and gives visitors something memorable that feels connected to the Murray, paddle boats, native fish, river life and the stories that make this place different.
A boost for nearby businesses
There is also a clear business benefit.
More families spending time around Jaycee Park means more foot traffic through the riverfront precinct. That can only help nearby cafes, food vans, accommodation providers, tourism operators, river cruise businesses, markets and event organisers.
If people are coming down for the playspace, there is every chance they also grab lunch, book a paddle boat cruise, visit the Water Play Park, wander through the Farmers and Makers Market, stay at nearby accommodation or head into Feast Street later in the day.
That is how good public spaces work. They do not just benefit the people using the playground. They help create movement, activity and spending across the surrounding area.
Jaycee Park remains an events space
One question some people may have is what this means for existing events, especially the Sunraysia Farmers and Makers Market. Council’s FAQ says Jaycee Park will remain an active events space, and that market organisers are among the stakeholders being consulted.
That is important, because Jaycee Park already plays a role as a community gathering spot. The best outcome would be a playspace that adds to the area without taking away from what already works.
Still a few steps to go
This project is not locked in for construction tomorrow. Council has made it clear that the playspace is subject to securing additional funding, detailed design and procurement. The project may also need to be delivered in stages depending on funding outcomes.
The current public exhibition period runs through May and into early June, with feedback to be reviewed before the final concept and costing plan goes to Council. After that, Council is expected to move into detailed design and advocacy for grant funding.
Have your say
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, local business owner, tourism operator, regular riverfront walker or just someone who wants Mildura to keep improving, now is the time to have a look.
Projects like this can shape how people use the riverfront for decades. Done well, the Mildura Riverfront Adventure Playspace could become another reason for families to stop, stay and spend time in our part of the world.
You can view the draft concept and provide feedback through the Mildura Rural City Council Your Say page.