Hidden away in suburban Clayton, Namatjira Park is home to gorgeous gum trees, lake, wetlands, and vast openness to run around in, plus popular trails for hikers and nature lovers.

As part of Council’s commitment to improving its open spaces, the Kingston City Council engaged theCommunityCollaborative. along with 106 Architects to develop a draft Masterplan for Namatjira Park to help guide the long-term planning for the site.

The Masterplan focused on maintaining and enhancing three areas:
→ Play
→ Sport / active recreation
→ Environmental

Aiming to get the balancing act right between sport, active recreation, play and passive activities the master plan recommends a range of renewal and upgrade infrastructure initiatives including:
→ Upgraded multi-sports field with sports lighting and practice cricket nets;
→ Traffic improvements, including discontinuation of traffic to and from Newport Road and improved car parking at the park;
→ Upgraded playground;
→ Expanded path and trail network and improved lighting;
→ New pavilion (relocated to the western side of the sports field);
→ New urban recreation zone that accommodates tennis courts (x 2), basketball/netball, futsal courts, tennis rebound wall and improved skate/scooter/BMX infrastructure facilities; and
→ All-weather (synthetic) bowls green with membrane roof

It proposes these whilst continuing to maintain and support the existing wetlands as a natural oasis.

Council received a strong and positive response from the community with the public exhibition of the Master Plan attracting:
→ over 1,000 visits to the Your Kingston Your Say Website,
→ 118 survey responses and
→ approximately 20 attendees participating in onsite community information sessions (during strict COVID restrictions).

Overall, the feedback was extremely positive with 89% of survey respondents stating that they liked the Masterplan! The Masterplan ensures the park continues to meet the needs of the community now and into the future.

With a total estimated $12m+ development, it's onwards and upwards to funding + delivery!

Other contributors: onemilegrid for traffic expertise, Homewood Consulting Pty Ltd covering trees, Biosis Pty Ltd on ecology, SPORTENG providing advice on sportsground construction options, and Legacy Lighting for providing an indicative lighting plan

Photos: Dion Gosling, 106 Architects