It is hoped a survey will reveal what the community wants from Prouses Road Recreation Reserve in North Bendigo.
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La Trobe University Health Science student Lachlan Cozens is running the project, in association with Ironbark Gully Friends and Kalianna School, to find out how the community uses the reserve and what they want to see in the future.
Mr Cozens said the land was underused.
"When you compare the amount of people using North Bendigo Reserve to the Prouses Road Recreation Reserve, it's night and day," he said.
The survey has been open about a week, but already more than 200 people have responded.
Of those, Mr Cozens said, more than 70 per cent had not used the reserve, and of those who used it, about half went walking there while half visited the playground.
He said a lot of people wanted public toilets at the reserve and a bigger, all-access playground, similar to that in Eaglehawk.
Other suggestions are more walking paths, fencing for security, and parking.
Mr Cozens said the reserve was a good space with a lot of potential.
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Once the survey closes, he will prepare a report on the findings, which could inform future projects on the reserve.
Mr Cozens grew up in the area and is working on the project as part of his third-year placement.
Majoring in health and sustainability in his degree, he hopes to one day work in sustainability for the local council.
"I think working with people is where I want to be," Mr Cozens said.
To participate in the survey, visit the Ironbark Gully Friends Facebook page, the Prouses Road Milk Bar or the Holdsworth Road Milk Bar by September 20.