Council’s design consultant for the $3 million upgrade of Hindmarsh Park, Civille, have begun the initial consultation phase of the project by launching a survey to gauge the thoughts of locals and visitors.

“We’re keen to hear from a wide variety of people of all ages and backgrounds including locals, visitors, tourists, business owners and any other stakeholders,” says Civille Director, David Knights.

“We’ll be asking about the features, facilities and activities they’d like to see in the park.

“We’re conducting in-person, in-park surveys to capture the opinions of those who might not traditionally respond to an online survey, hoping to speak to families with young children, tourists and of course regular park users as well.”

You are asked to choose five of the most important activities, facilities or elements that are important to you (more below)

The concept design is currently considering the following elements: 

• all-abilities playground/play area
• improved pathways/linkage within and beyond the park borders, particularly connecting to Kiama Harbour foreshore
• seating/tables 
• lighting upgrades
• potential stage upgrade
• enhancements of existing features/areas of importance in the park e.g., Memorial Arch, trees.

Having done the survey, which is available online at Council’s website now, we can tell you it looks to understand your connection with the area and how you use the park now before asking you to choose five activities, facilities or elements that you would like to see incorporated in the design.

The only single element it highlights, to develop a clear consensus, is whether the Orry Kelly Stage should be relocated.

“This process will enable Civille to build a clear picture of what the community wants for Hindmarsh Park, so we can create some fabulous concept designs to present to the new Council early in 2022,” says Mr Knights.

A recommendation is expected to be made to the February or March Council Meetings. After that there will be community consultation on the concept designs, with the final concept designs expected to be presented to Council as early as May.

Funding for the upgrade is coming from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program, as a reward for improving DA processing times.

The online survey closes 23 January. Civille staff will be in the park conducting surveys at the following times:

• Wednesday 22 December, 12pm to 2pm
• Saturday 8 January, 3pm to 5pm
• From Sunday 9 to Friday 14 January, roaming staff will be in the park at different times each day, to catch a range of different park users.