Ruffey Lake Park

Ruffey Lake Park, also known as Ruffeys, is a sprawling park located in the City of Manningham, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It covers approximately 68 hectares (168 acres) and is the second-largest park in Manningham.

The park surrounds Ruffey Lake and the Ruffey Creek, with three primary entrances at Victoria St, The Boulevard, and King St.

The park was initially cleared for orchards after European settlement and was purchased by the City of Doncaster and Templestowe Council in 1966 for public use. Ruffey Creek was dammed in the mid-1990s to create Ruffey Lake, which was previously used to irrigate the surrounding orchards. The park's diverse ecology includes a riparian strip of native bushland, pockets of fruit trees from past orchards, and areas of pine trees planted by early settlers. The Wurundjeri descendants in the area have a strong association with Westerfolds Park at Templestowe.

Ruffey Lake Park offers several amenities, including electric barbecues, toilets, and playgrounds. The Victoria Street adventure playground has undergone extensive renovation in the past decade. Well-maintained sealed pathways provide access to almost every corner of the park, although they do not have dividing lines. The north-western side of the park has fewer facilities.

During the summer, Ruffey Lake Park hosts the Manningham Carols by Candlelight, a highly anticipated annual event in the Manningham community. This event attracts visitors from the surrounding area to enjoy the parkland and participate in fun activities.

In conclusion, Ruffey Lake Park is a picturesque open space with various amenities, including playgrounds, electric barbec