Improving our small parks

Ballarat residents have helped shape their local recreational spaces as part of the Small Parks Improvement Program over the past four months. 

The first round of community consultation has concluded with 12 parks across the City of Ballarat being assessed.  

Five park designs received a high degree of support and positive feedback – College Street, Cuthberts Road, Hearn, Horsham and Vale Street reserves – resulting in additional tree plantings, seating, paths, play equipment and shelters.  

Construction of these improvements are set to commence in mid to late 2023. The final designs of these parks can be found on the City of Ballarat’s MySay page. 

Five park designs (listed below) received feedback from the community that spurred changes to the original plans for elements such as playscapes, paths, seating and shelters.  

• Inkerman Gully Reserve 

• Glenvale Road Reserve 

• Peel Street Reserve 

• Webb Avenue Reserve 

• Shaw Avenue Reserve  

The updated designs of these parks are displayed on the City of Ballarat’s MySay page for final community feedback.  

Finally, two parks – Orchard Estate and Hermitage Avenue reserves – will require additional re-design engagement with the community to ensure improvement opportunities are further explored.  

A workshop to discuss these designs with residents will be held at both reserves on 1 March from 3pm to 5pm. The workshop will be an opportunity for residents to work with the City of Ballarat to tailor the improvements to the parks to suit their needs and expectations.  

City of Ballarat Councillor, Samantha McIntosh thanked residents for their contributions to their neighbourhood parks.  

“It was wonderful to see more than 150 individuals take part in the first round of this program and contribute to the design of their local parks,” she said. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing valuable improvements made to these spaces across the City of Ballarat for families to enjoy into the future.”