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The playground at Central Gardens, Hawthorn, fondly known as 'Rocket Park', has received new and upgraded play equipment, nature play, shade, improved accessibility and new landscaping. The original climbing rocket from the 1960s has been comprehensively restored for future generations.

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.
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.
Kids wear hi-wis jackets play in the water play area
A girl climbing on rock formations at Central Gardens playground
Planet spheres nestled in mulch at the Central Gardens playground renewal

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
The rocket is lifted out of the playground by a crane
A playground rocket is strapped onto a flatbed truck for transporting
The rocket is strapped onto a flatbed truck for transporting to the factory
Electrical work to fix a playground rocketship
Working on the rocket at the factory
Welding work on the ladder in the play rocketship
Welding the ladder inside the rocket
View through a playground rocket window to a worker welding inside
A worker welds inside the rocket
A person wearing a bright orange safety jumpsuit giving a thumbs up to the camera
The restored rocket is transported to a different factory for painting.
A large metal rocket being tied to the back of a truck
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
A crane lifts the restored rocket into the new playground.
People standing around a big rocket and crane in a park
Touchdown! The rocket completes its journey and returns for landing.
Central Gardens Rocket Restoration - Full Journey video transcript

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. 

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an enclosed slide and an open slide on fake grass

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