Pumping new life into Banyan Reserve

Published on 26 June 2026

A much-loved local reserve is about to be reimagined.

Construction is now underway at Banyan Reserve, where a major upgrade will transform the space into a vibrant destination for play, adventure and connection, giving local families and young people even more reasons to get outdoors and enjoy their neighbourhood.

When complete, Banyan Reserve will feature an exciting new play space, a purpose-built pump track and welcoming places to gather, relax and spend time together.

The project is another step in creating a growing network of family-friendly destinations across Carrum Downs and Skye, ensuring residents have access to quality parks and recreation spaces close to home.

As the Carrum Downs and Skye community continues to grow, Council has been investing in the places that bring people together: revitalising reserves, improving recreational facilities and creating spaces where families can play, connect and stay active.

Across recent years, that vision has taken shape through projects including the recently opened $4.95 million transformation of Sandfield Reserve, major improvements at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve, safety upgrades along Wedge Road and upgrades at Heysen, Brolga and Lavender Hill Reserves. Together, these projects and others are expanding opportunities for residents to play, meet and enjoy the outdoors in their home suburb.

With new enclosed cricket nets at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve and play space upgrades at Heritage and Gamble Reserves also on the horizon (with the nets and Heritage Reserve both co-funded by Council and the Victorian Government), that investment continues to build momentum. The Rotary Park is also currently in the design phase, further contributing to this pipeline of improvements.

Frankston City Mayor Sue Baker said the Banyan Reserve upgrade reflects Council's commitment to ensuring local families have access to high-quality spaces that grow alongside the community.

“As more families choose to call Carrum Downs and Skye home, it's important that our parks and community spaces grow with them,” Mayor Baker said.

“We're investing in places where children can explore, young people can be active, and families can spend quality time together as these are all critical to community wellbeing.”

Designed with input from the community, the upgraded reserve will feature a nature-inspired play space complete with a climbing forest of ropes and slides, swings, an accessible carousel and water play elements.

A new pump track, Frankston City's fourth BMX facility, will offer dedicated beginner and intermediate zones where riders can build confidence, develop skills and have fun in a safe environment.

Shaded picnic areas, a barbecue and new plantings will create welcoming spaces for families and friends to linger long after playtime is over.

Existing fencing will be maintained around the park, complemented by new landscaping that helps define and support safe play.

Mayor Baker said the $2.03M Banyan Reserve pump track and play space project is jointly funded by Frankston City Council and the Victorian Government.

“We'll continue advocating for further investment in our growing Carrum Downs and Skye community, including projects like the Len Phelps Pavilion redevelopment - one of our priorities ahead of the State election - to ensure local facilities keep pace with demand, particularly to support ongoing sports participation for women and girls,” she said.

Member for Carrum the Hon Sonya Kilkenny MP said she was proud to be part of another quality community facility for the Carrum Down and Skye community.

“Local sport and recreation is the lifeblood of Carrum Downs, bringing communities and families together. That’s why we’re investing in this new pump track and play space so more local families and more young people can stay active,” she said.

“This is about making sport and recreation more accessible — with better facilities like this pump track and play space giving local riders, children and families a place to build skills, confidence and enjoy being active.”

“I’m proud of another fantastic partnership between State Government and Council and I can’t wait to give it a go when it’s finished later in the year.”

The upgrade also has a story that extends beyond the reserve itself. Existing play equipment will be given a second life in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, through Rotary Peninsula 2.0's Play It Forward initiative, extending its community benefit well beyond Frankston City's borders.

Construction at Banyan Reserve, 47R Luscombe Avenue, Carrum Downs, is expected to be completed in late 2026.

More information: Banyan Reserve Pumps Track and Play Space - Frankston City Council.