The Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley Village demonstrates MEMLA’s capacity to shape complex sporting landscapes in environmentally challenging conditions, balancing elite performance requirements with long-term ecological rehabilitation. Set within an exposed open site, the landscape response was driven by the need to mitigate strong north-west and south-west winds, stabilise soils and create a resilient setting for year-round use. The design intent established dense indigenous windbreaks, shelterbelts and perimeter planting to protect the ovals and public realm, enhance biodiversity and improve landscape character along the Tootal Road frontage. The masterplan also prioritised site rehabilitation through indigenous planting, passive irrigation swales and reduced runoff, while strengthening pedestrian links and future passive recreation opportunities.  

A key landscape challenge was working on a former landfill site, where establishment, soil performance, drainage and long-term planting success required careful consideration and a robust, adaptive landscape strategy. In response, MEMLA developed a revegetation approach based on indigenous EVC character, including species and planting communities aligned with Plains Grassy Woodland and allied local ecologies. Proposed canopy and understorey species such as River Red Gum, Narrow-leaved Peppermint, Coast Manna Gum, Black Sheoak, Silver Banksia, Kangaroo Grass and Common Tussock Grass reinforced habitat creation, wind protection and site recovery while embedding the facility within its broader green wedge context