Greaves Recreation Reserve presented an opportunity to transform an underutilised area into a more active, inclusive and functional community recreation space.

The City of Greater Dandenong required a design solution that could support multiple informal sport and recreation activities within one compact, durable and visually appealing facility. The objective was to create a versatile space that encouraged casual participation, skill development, spectator involvement and broader community activation.

iDwala was engaged to provide specialist sports facility design expertise for the proposed redevelopment works, with a focus on layout efficiency, sporting functionality, user experience, spectator amenity and long-term performance.

The design incorporated a new multisport basketball and futsal court area, complemented by a half tennis rebound wall facility to expand the range of activities available within the reserve. A standout feature was the innovative 5-degree angled hit-up wall, designed to replicate the ball arc of another player, enabling tennis users to practise individually while experiencing a more realistic ball return.

iDwala’s design also considered how the space would be experienced beyond the playing surface, incorporating supporting facilities and spectator-friendly design elements to encourage people to gather, watch, support and engage with the activities taking place.

iDwala’s scope included detailed sports facility and civil design, court layout planning, pavement and drainage considerations, fencing design and integration with the surrounding reserve environment.

The completed facility has transformed the area into a vibrant multisport community hub, supporting basketball, futsal and tennis participation while encouraging more active, informal, inclusive and spectator-friendly community use.