A permanent stage and Dish-themed play structure feature is a consultant’s vision of how Cooke Park could look, currently being reviewed by Parkes Shire Council.
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Parkes shire councillors received concept layouts for a number of parks and sporting ovals at their meeting on March 17.
They expect to receive a lot of interest in all plans especially Cooke Park, with plans to create an event precinct including a multi-use stage facility.
The consultant envisions a pedestrian-friendly space with wide planted arbour-style pedestrian crossings on Clarinda and Welcome streets.
A north-south “spine” will make the water fountain the key feature of the park, possibly incorporating low water play features like those around the Sir Henry Parkes statue.
Director of Engineering Services Ben Howard told the council meeting consultation with user groups had taken place as consultants developed the draft concepts plans.
Cooke Park will have additional consultation held prior to adoption of plans.
“All of these consultations ran smoothly with great input being received from participants,” he said in a report to council.
Draft plans have now been received for Cooke Park, Woodward Oval, Armstrong Park, Keast Park (including the skate park) and Pola Park in Tullamore.
Some key recommendations include:
Resurface the existing basketball court and develop a full-width hard court at Armstrong Park;
Build upon the skate facility to create a youth recreation precinct at Keast Park;
Construct a dirt BMX track and concrete pump track at Keast Park;
Add a cricket scoreboard and additional practice nets at Woodward Park;
Add new tennis courts and convert one to a hot shot hard court for juniors at Woodward Park;
Upgrade lighting at Woodward Park; and
Re-establish two of the tennis courts and help re-establish the golf course at Pola Park, Tullamore.
The need for master plans for local sports facilities was identified by council following key community stakeholder meetings during the Special Rate Variation Program.
The plans identify community needs and expectations along with the user groups that are associated with these facilities.
They detail the preferred future developments and long term planning of the sporting precincts, along with ongoing management of the facilities.
The work identified in these plans will be entirely dependent on availability of funds.
An additional workshop has been arranged for councillors who will meet to discuss their feedback to the consultant before plans go on display for community comment.
At the conclusion of a 28-day public comment period, the draft plans will be presented back to council for their adoption.
