Yarra Ranges Council has spent about $165,000 to improve five of its urban parks as part of a 10-year neighbourhood park program.

At Mooroolbark's Castle Hill Reserve, four storm-damaged cypress trees had to be cut down to ensure the safety of park visitors.

Rather than remove the stumps completely, woodworkers carved native animals from the remaining timber.

Cr Richard Higgins said the program, funded through the annual capital works budget, was designed to improve the city's small urban parks and reserves.

"Neighbourhood parks are an important part of our residential landscape, providing a space for families to exercise, enjoy the outdoors and socialise within walking distance of their homes.

"The transformation of these parks has been amazing. It will be great to see more parks benefit from this program over the next 10 years."

Shade and screen planting, improved access, park seating and new paths have already been completed at Castle Hill Reserve and Lancaster Reserve in Chirnside Park, Parkway Reserve in Chirnside Park, Rolling Hills Reserve in Mooroolbark and Balmoral Reserve in Kilsyth.

Hedwig Drive in Mooroolbark, Stuart Road in Lilydale, Batterbee Reserve in Mooroolbark and Anderson Street in Lilydale will be included in the program's next round of funding.