An initial plan for the outdoor park space in Port Kembla has taken shape with a proposal to expand the play area, build new and improved sports and fitness facilities, picnic areas, accessible paths and a new skate path.
Wollongong City Council is calling for your feedback on the draft King George V Park Recreation Master Plan.
The draft Master Plan will be on public exhibition from Friday 5 February to Friday 5 March 2021 and outlines the vision and proposed developments for the precinct around King George V Park, Port Kembla.
"This draft plan is a wonderful opportunity for the community to help steer the ship and make sure that the ideas in place for Port Kembla are the right ones. We want to ensure that we end up with a functional area that the community embrace, and with recreational facilities that enhance the beauty of this popular coastal area,'' Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
"Council have brought together a lot of information and ideas after the community engagement last year between October and November to create an initial draft Master Plan. Now is the chance for all members of the community to take a look and help us make sure our proposals meet the expectations of those who use the area and feed in their ideas''
Currently, the outdoor park space is a home for cricketers, soccer and AFL players alike. The greenspace also includes a playground, designated off-leash dog area and Bushcare site. The draft Master Plan aims to build on these established elements and lays out an aspirational view for the future of the site.
The draft Master Plan focusses on improving community access to the area by encouraging locals and visitors to use and enjoy the park space. As part of the draft Plan, we're proposing an expanded play area utilising the hill area for exciting new play opportunities, new and improved sport and fitness facilities including new contemporary sporting amenities and public toilets, picnic areas with barbeques and shelters, accessible path network including contemporary art trail on the hill overlooking port Kembla beach and Wollongong's first linear skate path.
"We know that the Port Kembla area has a strong Aboriginal cultural heritage. As part of our long-term vision for this site, we are inviting Traditional Custodian groups and Aboriginal community members to share their ideas for future of the site," said Cr Bradbery.
"To further improve this draft masterplan, we are again seeking input from our community during the exhibition phase. It's important that we balance the different needs and wishes of everyone that uses the area. We're keen to hear your feedback, so I encourage everyone to share their thoughts on the draft Master Plan."
Community members are encouraged to comment on the draft King George V Park Recreation Master Plan by visiting Council's Our Wollongong website.
