Council is encouraging people to give their feedback on the 35 per cent construction drawings for the $3 million upgrade to Hindmarsh Park by making a submission or filling in an online survey.

The first community consultation held in December and January saw 350 submissions with people asking for more seating and picnic tables with shade, lighting for evening use and upgrades to the play space, and the design is based on that.

Copies of the plans are available on Council’s website under the Your Say tab, and hard copies are available for viewing at the two libraries and at the Admin Centre front desk.

The construction drawings reveal a new play space, added furniture with lights, shaded seating area, a water feature, an accessible toilet and improved access to Black Beach Reserve.

But it seems Kiama locals are underwhelmed by the landscape design consultants Civille’s proposals.

A local mum, Elizabeth Buckley, who uses the park often, says she doesn’t understand the new play space.

“It looks like the purpose is more about the landscape rather than for the kids,” she says.

“I would like to see a gated park, even just a section of this park so mums don’t have to be running around after their children the whole time.”

One local who has taken to social media about her annoyances said she put in several submissions in the early stages regarding play equipment that was both toddler and older-child friendly.

“I can’t see anything in these drawings that would draw young families in, if anything, it is worse than the current equipment for young kids,” she wrote.

Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival (KJBF) organiser, Becky Guggisberg, says she is disappointed in the proposal so far.

“It does not bring the natural amphitheatre and shade to good use,” Becky says.

“The current stage is problematic and seems to be remaining in the same position. It is basically unusable for KJBF due to the distance between audience and the stage, and amplification affects the shops on the main street.”

The Kiama & District Business Chamber are about to conduct a survey of their members before formulating a position on the design. The Kiama Central Precinct is also preparing a submission.

The procurement and construction phase will begin in October and end in June 2023.

Survey closes 5pm, 31 August. Posters with a QR code will be placed in Hindmarsh Park or take the survey on Council’s website.