Pipe Track Park Playground, McDonalds Road, South Morang
Wood is the main material used here - let's hope that the playground doesn't get an attack of woodworm.
The highlight is a large wooden framed climbing structure with a tangle of rope, ladders and nests. Next to this is a long traversing climbing structure with lots of logs and rope obstacles ending with a climb up onto a platform with a metal slide. Also a birds nest swing, two standard swings, seesaw, spinning disk.
There are lots of concrete steppers of varying heights. Some information panels on the steppers tell some of the history of Melbourne's water supply.
Unshaded seats and grassy areas. Located east of Billy Button Early Learning Centre.
Information Panels on Steppers
Melbourne's First Water Supply System
Yan Yean Water Supply System
Buried below is Pipehead Reservoir; a large, open, bluestone basin, that was able to hold more than 11 million litres of water. The reservoir was once an integral part of the Yan Yean water supply system.
Constructed from 1853-57, the Yan Yean System is recognised as one of Victoria's most significant engineering projects. It was designed to harvest clean water in remote catchment areas, store it in reservoirs and transport it to the city via aqueducts and pipe track-using the force of gravity, rather than machinery. Massive amounts of earth had to be moved, using only simple tools like ploughs, shovels, spades and picks, horse drawn scoops and tip drays.
The system became a source of great community pride, transforming the colony of Victoria from frontier town to modern city.
While walking or riding along the shared path, look for the earth-covered mound indicating where the pipe was laid inside the original bluestone aqueduct.
Pipehead Reservoir
By 1875, in the wake-of the gold rush, Melbourne's population had exceeded the original design capacity of the Yan Yean System.
To increase it the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) replaced the original 30-inch cast-iron pipe between Yan Yean Reservoir and South Morang with the open, bluestone Morang Aqueduct ending at a new holding reservoir known as the Pipehead. That pipe was then re-laid between South Morang and Preston Reservoir.
Built between 1873 - 75, Pipehead Reservoir featured an open, bluestone basin 3 metres deep and with an area of 56 square metres. Pipehead Reservoir and the aqueduct combined to increase the water delivery rate from 45 million litres to 181 million litres.
In 1960-61, the Morang Aqueduct was replaced with steel pipes laid along the aqueduct. The Pipehead Reservoir was de-commissioned, partly demolished and filled in and today lies beneath Pipe Track Park. Much of the original fabric of the Yan Yean Water Supply System remains unchanged since it began operation in 1859.
Since construction began in 1853, the Yan Yean System has given work to generations, many of whom still maintain a personal connection. Its original role as a place of play and relaxation continues today. Pipe Track Park celebrates the history of the site - can you see the outline of the reservoir and pooling water?
Photos:
Location
366 McDonalds Road, South Morang 3752 Map
