The Circular Head Council has adopted the visionary Open Space Strategy aimed at revitalising public spaces across the region, enhancing accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement. This initiative is designed to encourage well-being and connection among residents through improved parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
Key actions outlined in the strategy focus on various locations, particularly Smithton and Stanley.
The council plan to develop a master plan for West Esplanade Foreshore Park, enhancing amenities and ensuring better accessibility for all visitors.
The future West Esplanade will become a dynamic hub for all ages. Plans include a pump track designed for older kids, teens, and young people to enjoy active fun and develop skills, alongside a regional-level playground upgrade featuring inclusive nature-and water-play areas. The park will also feature new skating facilities to replace the existing Smithton Recreation Ground skate park.
Additionally, the strategy also addresses enhancements to Stanley’s open spaces, with dedicated plans for both Tatlows Beach Reserve and Kings Park which will include the installation of new barbecues, seating, and play areas tailored for families and young visitors. The council intends to review the existing Kings Park Master Plan to assess its effectiveness and inform future improvements.
The Circular Head Council has officially launched an elaborate Open Space Strategy with accessibility a significant focus, particularly in central Smithton. Proposed actions aim to strengthen pedestrian routes, connecting residents with vital community infrastructure such as schools, parks, and the retail precinct. This includes introducing green nodes outdoor gathering spaces along key walking routes and improving access to West Esplanade Park from Smithton High School.
Environmental sustainability is another cornerstone of the strategy. The council plans to celebrate Circular Head’s waterways through the regeneration of the Duck River's banks, creating a living intertidal buffer to enhance the river’s health and provide vital habitat for local species.
To ensure effective implementation of the strategy, the strategy outlined a commitment to developing a funding plan for the proposed improvements while actively engaging the community throughout the process. The strategy advocates for continuous involvement, including collaborations with local schools and the Circular Head Aboriginal community during the planning and design phases of open space projects.
Furthermore, the council aims to create a comprehensive signage suite to enhance wayfinding across parks and trails, making it easier for visitors to navigate the area’s natural attractions.
The timeline for these initiatives includes immediate actions set to commence within the next three years, while medium and longer-term priorities will address further enhancements and developments in the community.
Alongside the developments in Smithton, the strategy includes future improvements for places like Detention River, Redpa Recreation Ground, Montagu, and Marine Park, all designed to enrich community engagement and access to open spaces.
Mayor Gerard Blizzard said, "We’re thrilled to bring this exciting vision to life, starting with the West Esplanade Foreshore Park Master Plan. This project will create a welcoming, lively space for our community and showcase all that Smithton has to offer.”
