Preliminary designs for the upgrades to the Tuggeranong foreshore show a new shared path, improved playground equipment in the town park and revamped boardwalk, including a new memorial space.
The designs are based on community feedback and have been released for more consultation ahead of construction on the foreshore upgrades starting next year.
The six priorities identified for the $4.75 million project include:
- Upgrading the Tuggeranong Town Park playground with new equipment and to provide more accessible play and picnic spots, including nature play, a climber rope and balance challenge
- Replacing the existing Tuggeranong Town Park toilet with new, accessible facilities
- Improving the accessibility and safety of the foreshore path network, including widening the path around sharp corners near the boardwalk, removing obstacles and providing new street furniture to sit and rest
- Improving way-finding around the foreshore including directions to existing public toilets near Reed Street and a new shared path with cycle and pedestrian symbols
- On the Eastern side of the lake, at least a further 70 trees will be planted along the existing shared path and in the foreshore open space this spring and next autumn
- At the Tuggeranong Skate Park, works to address safety issues and rideability such as minor resurfacing and replacement of damaged ramp surfaces will be undertaken in the first half of 2023.
They will follow upgrades to Anketell Street, the laneway between Anketell Street and Lake Tuggeranong and recent pedestrian and cyclist improvements.
Transport and City Services Minister Chris Steel said the ACT Government was rolling out more suburban infrastructure upgrades across Canberra, with construction to also start on the Casey recreation park in Gungahlin next year.
The draft designs released for comment feature a multi-purpose court, including basketball and other sports, and all-abilities play equipment, nature play and a flying fox to cater to a broad range of ages and abilities.
There will also be toilet facilities, shade structures, a barbecue and picnic tables to support longer visits to the park, and a grassed amphitheatre and irrigated green open space for general recreation.
Spaces have also been set aside for future community use such as the establishment of a community garden and micro-forest.
The Government says the indicative designs reflect the community’s desire for the environment to be protected by retaining existing trees and understorey plantings and maintaining them as conservation areas into the future.
Additional environmental investigations are under way to ensure other significant ecological communities on the site are adequately protected, so the placement of play elements may be revised.
The indicative master plan identifies where additional recreation facilities such as the micro-forest, community garden and BMX pump track could be located should further funding become available.
“This is part of our biggest ever program to improve suburban infrastructure across our city, with upgrades to local shops and group centres, playgrounds, dog parks and other community facilities,” Mr Steel said.
He said that in the coming weeks, the Government would also be announcing more consultations for planned upgrades to dog parks in Franklin and Lanyon, as well as playground upgrades in Lyons and Kaleen.
To view the Tuggeranong foreshore and Casey recreation park designs visit the YourSay website.
Comments close on 10 October.
Original Article published by Ian Bushnell on Riotact.