![Aerial view of playground with rocket-shaped climbing feature and slide, and three other features with round tops. Grass and several large trees surround the area.](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2023-07/Central%20Gardens_playground%20aerial.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=BYzqYj_m)
![Playground with rocket-shaped climbing feature and slide, and small carousel and park bench. There are several trees in the playing area and the background.](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2023-07/Central%20Gardens_playground%201.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=ZduxshBz)
![Kids wear hi-wis jackets play in the water play area](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2021-06/rocket_park_image_resize12.jpg?h=9583e402&itok=f3sa4qS_)
![A girl climbing on rock formations at Central Gardens playground](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2021-06/Climbing%20rock%2016-9.png?h=93510da7&itok=sEv71NDV)
![Planet spheres nestled in mulch at the Central Gardens playground renewal](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2021-06/rocket_park_image_resize6.jpg?h=e9890e2e&itok=x2-K2r3P)
Central Gardens playground features
The playground design adopts a space exploration theme, based around the iconic climbing rocket. New and upgraded features include:
- a fully restored climbing rocket with ladder access, new slides, repaired footings, new rubber surfaces, wider openings and fresh paint
- new ‘traditional’ equipment like monkey bars
- a combination play unit combined with a partly accessible ‘mission control centre’
- ‘Mars landing terrain exploration’ with mounds, tunnels, rocks and craters for balancing, clambering and hopping challenges for all ages
- water play zone
- a variety of swings for different ages
- clear paths and paved play surfaces suitable for people with limited mobility
- more shade canopies
- new drinking fountain.
Rocket restoration
Relive the rocket’s restoration journey in the photo gallery and video below.
![A large play rocket is removed from the playground by a crane](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2022-07/boroondara_72945638591.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=QrWFPVKQ)
The rocket is lifted out of the playground by a crane
![A playground rocket is strapped onto a flatbed truck for transporting](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2022-07/boroondara_72945648471.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=v3FjPjDD)
The rocket is strapped onto a flatbed truck for transporting to the factory
![Electrical work to fix a playground rocketship](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2022-07/boroondara_73672919100.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=RXyzqPuE)
Working on the rocket at the factory
![Welding work on the ladder in the play rocketship](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2022-07/boroondara_74605451409.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=TqQpyXWU)
Welding the ladder inside the rocket
![View through a playground rocket window to a worker welding inside](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2022-07/boroondara_74605416346%20%281%29.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=K1ATUPMG)
A worker welds inside the rocket
![A person wearing a bright orange safety jumpsuit giving a thumbs up to the camera](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2022-08/boroondara_75467951884.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=avbjuoiy)
The restored rocket is transported to a different factory for painting.
![A large metal rocket being tied to the back of a truck](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2022-08/boroondara_75467987486.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=0h72ik30)
The restored rocket returns to Central Gardens playground on the back of a truck.
![A large crane placing the a large rocket in a park](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2022-08/boroondara_75467954819.jpg?h=2e111cc1&itok=NxL6ZjmE)
A crane lifts the restored rocket into the new playground.
![People standing around a big rocket and crane in a park](/sites/default/files/styles/council_photo_gallery_small/public/2022-08/boroondara_75467961954.jpg?h=bfe0b221&itok=UNllTCaw)
Touchdown! The rocket completes its journey and returns for landing.
More information
- Central Gardens playground is at 30 Henry Street, Hawthorn. It's classified as a district playground. Find out more about playground categories.
- The playground's design was shaped by community feedback in 2021. The rocket's restoration was informed by external auditors and independent consultants.
- Learn about when and why we upgrade playgrounds.