At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 18 June, Council endorsed the final draft Concept Design for upgrading Charles Evans Reserve.

Purpose of the consultation

In August and September 2023, we asked you to share your thoughts so we could better understand how you want to use this space. A key element of this stage of the consultation was understanding how the community felt about the existing playground at Charles Evans Reserve.

We used your feedback from this first stage of the consultation to inform the development of the draft Concept Design. In February 2024, we went back to the community to get feedback on the draft Concept Design to ensure that the park can continue to support the needs of the local community, visitors and all park users into the future.

What did we ask?

In the first stage of community engagement, we asked whether you would like to see the existing playground replaced and presented 3 options. We also asked for feedback on what you like about the park, how you like to you use the park and what improvements you think could be made.

In the second stage, we asked you to share your thoughts on the draft Concept Design, including what you liked about the design, if there was anything missing and whether you supported expanding the reserve into Cubitt Street.

Who did we hear from?

Below are the combined figured for both stages of engagement. Read the Engagement Reports at the bottom of the page for more details.

What we heard and how it influenced the plan

We received 126 survey contributions during this stage of community engagement. We analysed the results and grouped them into themes.

On the key question around whether or not to replace the existing play equipment - it was clear that a majority (+60%) supported the option to replace and upgrade the existing playground.

Read the Charles Evans Reserve – Stage 1 - Engagement Report

Taking your feedback, we developed a draft Concept Design which considered the following elements:

• a larger, or better use of the existing playground space
• providing play facilities for a wider age range of children
• improving accessibility and provide better separation of the play area from dogs and traffic
• exploring nature play options in addition to upgrading and replacing the existing play equipment.

In the survey results for the second stage, there was community support for key elements of the design, including:

• upgrading the playground and relocating it to a shadier part of the reserve 
• expanding the park into Cubitt Street to create a new multi-sport area 
• situating the open lawn area in a sunnier position 
• providing more tables, seating and barbeque facilities 

As part of this consultation, we proposed that the Cubitt Street entrance be relocated further south, allowing the lawn area to be securely fenced and improving accessibility.

The southern end of Cubitt Street would be closed to vehicle traffic, creating space for a multi-sport area for sports such as basketball, soccer, four-square, and a rebound wall. This suggested change received strong support from the community (77%).

Read the Charles Evans Reserve – Stage 2 - Engagement Report.

What comes next?

We will continue to keep you informed about the progress of this project, every step of the way.

Play space design

We are working closely with a playground designer and play expert to create a customised play solution that will deliver the same or increased range of play opportunities as the existing playground.

The final design of the play space will be dependent on detailed design, however it will include:

• a brand new play equipment combination unit with toddler slide
• a basket swing suitable for different ages and abilities to play on
• more nature-play options for young minds to explore and discover
• the play equipment will be easily accessible from the shared path while being separated from dog walking and other activities.

Proposed relocation of Cubitt Street entrance

Council will now undertake a traffic and parking study in the local area around Charles Evans Reserve.

Visit the project page

To read more about this consultation please visit the Charles Evans Reserve Upgrade page.