Peanut Farm Reserve

At first I thought this place was simply a huge vegetable garden, but it turns out that it is the reserve that is lurking behind the vegetable garden (which I suspect is one of those community gardens for people who like gardening but do not have an appreciably sized back yard — or even any backyard at all — even then since I have absolutely no knack, or time, for gardening myself I cannot say anything beyond that there is a community vegetable garden here). Anyway, this place is just your standard, everyday park with an oval, a some basket ball courts, and a wall that is designed purely to throw (or hit) balls at (which is really handy if you want to play a game of tennis but nobody actually wants to play tennis with you, either because you are too good, or, like me, really, really bad). They also have some play equipment for the kids (or if you happen to simply like climbing around of play equipment despite the fact that you are 56 years old — not that I am 56 years old, but you know what I mean).

St Kilda locals are pretty spoiled. They have the beach, the botanical gardens, the community gardens, a lighthouse, penguins and this little treat — Peanut Farm Reserve. I mean, with a name like that you know you’re on to a good thing.
It’s a great hub for the community — with basketball courts, a place to practice your tennis swing, large fields for dogs and kidlets to run around, and, my personal favourite — on the first Saturday of every month St Kilda’s farmers market sets up here to ensure local homes are filled with great produce for the week ahead.

My local park is fantastic, however its appeal is also what has prevented it from receiving a higher rating. The day I moved in to my new pad, I was warned — don’t cross the park at night. Now its not inhabited by vampires, werewolves or other creatures of the night. It does however, play host to a variety of vagrants who detract from the otherwise beautiful setting.
That said, every month it hosts a farmers market, has footy and cricket matches on the weekends and is adjacent to the local community gardens.
Just remember your crucifix and holy water should you be out after dark…

Situated beside Lunar Park & behind Acland Street, the Peanut Farm Reserve has been the home of St Kilda City Football Club for as far back as the 1940’s.
Youngsters and age-​old locals of the area are able to enjoy this vast area that contains the famous football oval, basketball courts, tennis wall and playground.
Another popular element of the Peanut Farm Reserve is the «Veg Out» Community Gardens that is located just across the road at the former St Kilda Bowling Club. The gardens are primarily rented by residents of apartments in the area and offer local residents the opportunity to express themselves in a small plot of soil, which results in many colourful artistic displays.
Dog friendly, the reserve is a central spot for locals to exercise, partake in sporting activities or simply bring the kids for a run around.