Riverview Park in Melbourne is a popular spot to enjoy the river and take a walk, but over the years it’s seen its fair share of wear and tear. 

  • Riverview Park in Melbourne getting new playground, other upgrades
  • City wants to make the park a tourist destination
  • Some residents complain it will take away from the wide open spaces

However, as frequent visitor Heather Garrick says, it’s still an enjoyable place. “It’s a nice, peaceful, relaxing place to just come and unwind and meditate for a few minutes.”

It’s an ideal place for her dogs to run and play, but the overgrown bushes obstructing the river view and worn out playground equipment is something the city of Melbourne is hoping to change.

In fact very soon they’ll be installing a state of the art playground.

“Melbourne, as we know, is a destination in itself, but we’re looking at this play feature as an enhancement to a really great destination,” Melbourne Parks and Recreation director Kevin Briski said.

The $190,000 “destination” playground will be one of the largest playgrounds and first of its kind in Brevard County.

Many residents are excited for the new additions to the park. 

“That’ll be nice,” said Rasmus King, who visits the park on a daily basis. “That’ll be really nice to have entertainers come in and have concerts.”

However, others believe the park will be difficult to maintain, and take away from the wide open spaces the park currently provides to local residents.

“I understand wanting to bring everyone here, but it’s in a consolidated area and I’m looking more for that open space to get away from people and the clutter,” Heather explained.

The city does plan to proceed with the project. In a little under 90 days, they’ll have the new playground installed.

“I do think it will have a featured effect. It will be one more thing to do in Melbourne when you come for a visit, so I do think it will have an overall net effect to tourism,” Briski said. 

Down the road, the city also hopes to clear out the brush along the river and create a new riverwalk around the 16-acre park.