Dulwich Hill Parks 10-year plan

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

alt=""


We have developed a proposed Plan of Management and Master Plan for Dulwich Hill Parklands (includes: Laxton Reserve, Arlington Reserve, Johnson Park and Hoskins Park).


Background

In late 2016, we asked the community how they use the parks now and how they would like to use them into the future. Around that time the former Ashfield, Marrickville and Leichhardt Councils amalgamated to from Inner West Council. Unfortunately developing the Dulwich Hill Parks Plan of Management has taken longer than we would usually expect.

The proposed Dulwich Hill Parklands Plan of Management (POM) and Master Plan have been developed using that

alt=""


We have developed a proposed Plan of Management and Master Plan for Dulwich Hill Parklands (includes: Laxton Reserve, Arlington Reserve, Johnson Park and Hoskins Park).


Background

In late 2016, we asked the community how they use the parks now and how they would like to use them into the future. Around that time the former Ashfield, Marrickville and Leichhardt Councils amalgamated to from Inner West Council. Unfortunately developing the Dulwich Hill Parks Plan of Management has taken longer than we would usually expect.

The proposed Dulwich Hill Parklands Plan of Management (POM) and Master Plan have been developed using that community feedback along with research and expert advice.

Read the Community Engagement Report pdf from 2016.

We are required to have Plans of Management for all community land in the Inner West. In November 2018, Council adopted an Inner West Open Space areas Plans of Management Priority List.


What is happening now?

We have developed a proposed Plan of Management and Master Plan and want to know what you think about it.

  • Read the Plan of Management PDF which covers the planning, use and management of the parks over the next 10 years and includes leases and licences.
  • Read the Master Plan PDF which outlines a vision and actions for improvement over the next 10 years.

What's happening in the parks?

Park

Key proposals

J.F Laxton Reserve

  • Introduce interpretation elements which acknowledge the site's history
  • Diversify the playground
  • Integrated all abilities play equipment into existing playground
  • Upgrade pathways for accessibility
  • Additional connection to Arlington Recreation Reserve at the north-eastern corner of the park
Read more on p. 52 of the POM and look at the maps on p. 70 of the Master Plan.
Arlington Recreation Reserve


  • In consultation with the community, develop a new Operation Management Plan for sporting access and use of the park
  • Upgrade seating with the grandstand and improve accessibility and equal access
  • Upgrade and expand club storage facilities
  • Plant additional under story plants to the mature fig trees
  • Plant shrubs and under story plants
  • Plant additional vegetation and a shade tree in the Secret Garden
Read more on p. 54 of the POM and look at the maps on p. 70 of the Master Plan
Johnson Park


  • Relocate bins closer to Constitution Road (near the boom gate entry) to improve access by maintenance
  • Upgrade the cricket fence and nets
  • Convert basketball court to multipurpose court
  • Upgrade playground to be more inclusive for diverse ages and abilities
  • Repurpose rocket structure into a usable play element
  • Upgrade existing BBQ and picnic table
  • Provide additional BBQ facilities
  • Additional seating
  • Upgrade kickabout area and trial as an off-leash dog area at certain hours
  • Provide a low height fence to bush care site with gated entry
  • Provide a decomposed granite pathway within bush care site to allow users to experience and learn without disruption to the site
  • Update signage and wayfinding across the site
  • New bicycle racks
Read more on p. 58 of the POM and look at the maps on p. 72 of the Master Plan
Hoskins Park


  • Construct accessible path to playground
  • Introduce a frog habitat pond
  • Install habitat features such as woody debris suitable for native bees
  • Design 'bat flaps' habitat for microbats in suitable areas of the park
  • Install new hollows for birds, possums and other species
  • Provide pathway along Piggot St edge (western edge) of the site connecting to proposed playground path
  • Subject to partnership funding with Sydney Water, introduce a storm water system
  • Construct board walk across the proposed storm water system so park users can interact with the ecological asset
Read more on p. 62 of the POM and look at the maps on p. 74 of the Master Plan



Have your say

Read through the proposed Plan of Management and Master Plan and let us know what you think by filling out the feedback form below.

The last day to provide feedback is Thursday, 5 December.


What happens next?

After the engagement period, the Parks Planning team will review and consider community feedback before finalising the plans.

Part of the Dulwich Hill Parklands is owned by the NSW Government and requires a land categorisation. This land is managed by Council for community benefit, however we require the NSW Government to approve our categories before the Plan of Management can be adopted. This impacts several parks in the Inner West. Once the categorisations have been approved, the draft Plan of Management and draft Master Plan will be exhibited for 28 days.

The plans will then go to the elected Council for adoption


  • Decided by Council

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    At its meeting on Tuesday 9 March 2021, Council considered community feedback and officer recommendations and decided to:

    1. Adopt the Dulwich Hill Parklands Plan of Management as it relates to Arlington Reserve and Laxton Reserve;

    2. Endorse the Plan of Management as it relates to the Crown land section of the Plan, specifically Johnson Park and Hoskins Park and refer this to the Minister for Water, Housing and Property for adoption;

    3. Notes the Parklands provide critical habitat for fauna and flora and that close engagement with local environmental groups during the planning of park improvements will assist in delivering sound environmental as well as community outcomes;

    4. Amend the Plan of Management to include ‘Investigate options for noise abatement structures or plantings to address noise pollution concerns’ as a ‘High Priority’ action for Arlington Recreation Reserve; and

    5. Receive an update on the development of the Arlington Reserve Operational Plan by the May Council Ordinary Meeting (or earlier)

    For more information read item 2 in Council report and view the meeting minutes.

  • What we heard

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Did you provide feedback on the draft plans for Dulwich Hill Parks? Read what we heard in the Engagement Outcomes Report. The feedback for Arlington Recreation Reserve, J.F Laxton Reserve and Hoskins Park will be considered by Council at it's meeting on 9 March 2021, before they make a decision whether to adopt, adopt with changes or not adopt the plans.

    The draft plans for Johnson Park and Hoskings Park will be submitted to the minister of Water, Housing and Property for approval.

    Visit Council meeting page for more details.