| Macleay Park | |
| Photo Width: | 250px |
| Coords: | -37.8016°N 145.075°W |
| Location: | Melbourne, Australia |
| Opened: | 1923 |
| Operator: | City of Boroondara |
| Paths: | Mix of formal and informal pathways |
| Transport: | Bus routes 302 and 304 |
| Terrain: | Open ovals surrounded by vegetation |
| Vegetation: | Australian Native |
| Free Label: | Landmarks |
| Facilities: | Playground, 3 sports pavilions, baseball pitch, netball courts, barbecues, toilet Soccer pitch, AFL ground |
Macleay Park is a park in the suburb of Balwyn North, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The western half of the park is also referred to as Myrtle Park. It is situated between Severn St and Buchanan Avenue in a portion of a valley through which the Glass Creek runs, now largely through underground drains.[1]
In 1923, the Camberwell City Council acquired the land on which the park stands today.[2] In its early years, the parkland was known as Myrtle Park. The North Balwyn Cricket Club was established in 1927,[3] followed by the North Balwyn Baseball Club in 1937.[4]
During the post-war housing boom in Melbourne during the 1950s, the park became increasingly used by the increase in population, including by travelling circuses,[5] and the original sporting pavilion was opened in 1962 and rebuilt in 2007.[6]
A number of gravel and informal paths run throughout the park. A primary circuit path follows the boundaries of most ovals which is suitable for walking, jogging or cycling.
There are nine sporting clubs which use the park:[7] [8]
Complaints from nearby residents about sporting activities and facilities in the park have sparked controversy in recent years, including the installation of netball courts and sportsground lighting.[9]