A new Plan of Management and Master Plan are set to chart the future for one of the Hunter Region's most popular and beloved community spaces.
Community consultation kicks off on Friday 14 November to help develop the two documents that will guide the use, care and evolution of Speers Point Park for the next 10 years and beyond.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the park had been a focal point for events and recreation for generations.
"Growing up in Lake Macquarie, Speers Point Park holds a place close to my heart, and I know it's the same for so many people who live here," he said.
"These new plans will help preserve this precious space and ensure it continues to serve the community, providing spaces where people can socialise, attend events, play sport and enjoy the outdoors."
The new Plan of Management will be the first for Speers Point Park since 2008.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Assets Dayne Harris said much had changed since then, including construction of the Lake Macquarie Variety Playground, Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Multi-Arts Pavillion, mima, a replacement jetty and an off-leash dog park.
"It's not just Speers Point Park that has transformed since 2008," he said.
"It's our community. New plans will ensure this continues to be a destination that reflects the community's needs and values for years to come."
Mr Harris said there was also a legislative requirement under the Crown Land Management Act to update the Plan of Management.
The land on which Speers Point Park sits was a meeting place long before European settlement, with the area at the mouth of Cockle Creek a favoured meeting and gathering point for local Aboriginal tribes.
It was gazetted in 1888 as "Lake Macquarie Park" but from the outset it was referred to as Speers Point Park – a name which has stuck for more than 135 years.
Today, it covers 43ha, from Walters Park in the north, west to Macquarie Field, encompassing Speers Point Swim Centre and east along the foreshore to Main Road.
Mayor Adam said the park's use had increased significantly in the past decade.
"We're seeing a lot more sports-related use with the regional football facility," he said.
"But it has also become much more popular with families thanks to the incredible playground, which set the benchmark for all-ages play spaces when it opened in 2008."
The park also hosts regular markets and major events, such as the Living Smart Festival and the upcoming Red Hot Summer Tour gig featuring Paul Kelly and Missy Higgins.
Mr Harris said the two new plans would complement each other.
"A Plan of Management guides the use and management of the land," he said.
"The Master Plan will outline the site layout and provide a visual representation of how it could be used into the future."
Mayor Adam urged the community to get involved throughout development of the two plans, with feedback open until 14 December.
"We want to hear from you, whether you live nearby, visit from further afield or simply care about the future of Speers Point Park," he said.
Council's project team will be on hand to provide information and answer questions at the park on 14 November from 5-7pm, 25 November from 10am-1pm, 1 December from 8-11am and 4-7pm and 7 December from 9am-2pm.
People can also have their say at shape.lakemac.com.au.
