Ray Bastin Reserve

Ray Bastin Reserve in Narre Warren first opened in 2003 and has since been a go-to destination for south-east Melbourne locals and young aspiring astronauts. Known locally as the ‘Rocket Park’ it has recently been reimagined, following four years of community consultation. Play spaces have been refreshed with new furniture, shade and improved accessibility, ready for a new generation of explorers.

Commissioned by the City of Casey, landscape architecture studio Site Office retained the park’s iconic red rocket and control tower while extending the cosmic narrative into the surrounding landscape, using circular geometries inspired by lunar craters.

To translate these craters into functional gathering hubs, Site Office specified Street Furniture Australia’s circular ChillOUT Tree shade systems, with curved Linea Benches, Linea Table Settings, and Café Macchiato Tables encircling them. Finished in fun pops of Bondi Blue and Mustard Yellow near the play space, and Pearl White in the wider open areas, these welcoming spaces carry the park’s playful energy while offering families a place to take a break between adventures.

In the nearby barbecue and dining areas, wheelchair-accessible Linea Table Settings accommodate visitors using mobility aids, providing both single-sided and end access. Linea Benches and Seats have taller legs to comply with DDA requirements.

Connection to Country was an integral part of the design, with native plantings and sensory trails developed in consultation with local Bunurong Elders. Guiding visitors along these paths, custom-etched Linea Bollards with the City of Casey’s logo reinforce local civic identity.

Placed beyond the play perimeter, Linea Seats provide comfortable spots to rest. Finished in aluminium woodgrain Spotted Gum battens with Monument frames, the furniture delivers a hardwood look with the durability required for a high-traffic regional park.

The revitalised Ray Bastin Reserve reflects the City of Casey’s commitment to community connection. The ‘Rocket Park’ continues to bring generations together and to launch kids out of this world, even if just for a little while.