New to Thornhill Park? A family guide to parks, playgroups and early learning
Thornhill Park has grown quickly, and plenty of families here moved in before the shops and schools caught up. If you have just arrived with a baby or a preschooler, this is a starting point for finding your way around. It covers places we know well, because our Thornhill Park centre is on Parklea Way.
Parks and playgrounds
The Parklea Way playground, on the corner of Parklea Way and Morningside Drive, has wave slides, a rope bridge, a scrambling wall and a birds nest swing, plus a shelter with picnic tables and barbecues. A lot of the equipment suits older children, so toddlers will need a hand, but the grassy area is big enough for a kick of the ball. The estate has smaller playgrounds too, including Camber Lane and Bayview Walk.
The children’s and community centre
The Thornhill Park Children’s and Community Centre at 18 Tower Street is run by Melton City Council. It has maternal and child health services, kindergarten programs and rooms used for children’s activities, fitness classes and community groups. The program changes each term, so check the council newsletter for what is on.
Maternal and child health
If you have a new baby, get in touch with Melton’s maternal and child health service early. As well as the key age and stage visits, the service runs a New Parent Group for first time parents. For families new to the area, those groups are often where the first friendships start.
Playgroups
Melton City Council lists community playgroups run by parents, and free supported playgroups (called smalltalk) for families who would like a bit more help. The council’s playgroups team is on 03 9747 7136, and your maternal and child health nurse can also make an enquiry for you. If there isn’t a group that suits your day, the council can help you start one.
Schools
Thornhill Park Primary School opened in 2023 on Baxterpark Drive, next to the community centre. Victorian children start Prep in the year they turn five by 30 April, and enrolment for the following year usually opens in April and closes at the end of July, so it is worth putting a reminder in your calendar well before your child’s last kinder year.
Early learning in Thornhill Park
Creative Hands Early Learning Centre Thornhill Park is now open at 2 Parklea Way, on the same street as the playground. There is a nursery for babies and children up to two, a toddler room for two to three year olds, and a funded kindergarten program for three to five year olds, led by a degree qualified early childhood teacher and run inside long day care hours. Each child has a primary educator. Our in-house chef cooks breakfast, lunch and snacks from a seasonal menu, with halal, vegetarian and allergy aware options, and nappies and wipes are supplied for the nursery and toddler rooms.
You can read more about the Thornhill Park centre, or see how we help children and parents through the first weeks of care.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the playground near Parklea Way in Thornhill Park?
The Parklea Way playground is on the corner of Parklea Way and Morningside Drive, Thornhill Park. It has slides, a rope bridge, a birds nest swing, picnic tables and barbecues.
Are there playgroups in Thornhill Park?
Melton City Council supports community playgroups and free supported playgroups across the municipality. Families can contact the council playgroups team on 03 9747 7136 or ask their maternal and child health nurse.
Is there an early learning centre in Thornhill Park?
Yes. Creative Hands Early Learning Centre Thornhill Park is open at 2 Parklea Way, with nursery, toddler and funded kindergarten programs for children aged six weeks to five years.
