Established in 1906, Central Park combines a large sports oval with picturesque strolling gardens and is a well-used recreational facility for the surrounding community. A sunken garden and a fountain, and avenues of elms, are also features. The park has a significant conservatory that dates from the 1920s, which is included on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Working in conjunction with John Patrick Landscape Architects, and using the comprehensive resources of the City’s archives, Lovell Chen formulated policies to guide the future management and conservation of the gardens and individual elements. This plan is the third in a series of reports completed 2006-7 on parks and gardens for the City of Stonnington — we have also prepared conservation management plans for Toorak Park and Malvern Public Gardens.