THE VISION - Campbelltown City Council Park... · Community Feedback Report – Thorndon Park Master Plan STAGE 1: THE VISION Page 1 1 INTRODUCTION Identifying a vision for Thorndon

Thorndon Park Master Plan Stage 1: The Vision

Community Engagement Outcomes

PART A

January 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1

2 KEY OUTCOMES............................................................................................................ 1

3 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................ 3

3.1 Acronyms and Explanatory Notes ............................................................................ 3

3.2 Community Engagement Strategy............................................................................ 3

3.3 Data Collation and Analysis...................................................................................... 3

3.4 Caution in Interpreting the Results ........................................................................... 4

4 PARTICIPANTS .............................................................................................................. 4

4.1 Participation Rate ..................................................................................................... 4

4.2 Participant Characteristics........................................................................................ 4

5 RESULTS – Community Feedback............................................................................... 8

5.1 Community Workshop .............................................................................................. 8

5.2 Surveys................................................................................................................... 12

5.3 Preferred Images (at Carols in the Park)................................................................ 20

5.4 Written Submissions............................................................................................... 22

6 ANALYSIS – The Themes to Emerge ......................................................................... 23

6.1 Value About Thorndon Park ................................................................................... 23

6.2 Directions for Thorndon Park.................................................................................. 23

6.3 Support for Master Plan and Process..................................................................... 25

Community Feedback Report – Thorndon Park Master Plan STAGE 1: THE VISION Page 1

1 INTRODUCTION Identifying a vision for Thorndon Park is the first of a four stage process Council will implement over 12 months to develop a Master Plan for the Park.

Stage 1: Develop a shared vision for the Park Stage 2: Develop several concept plan options based on the vision Stage 3: Identify the preferred concept plan Stage 4: Develop the final Master Plan

A community engagement strategy was developed to identify opportunities for the community to be involved in every stage. This report presents the findings from the engagement with the community during Stage 1 on a vision for Thorndon Park. The aim of the engagement was to identify what the community thought Thorndon Park should look like in 20 years time. Part A of this report summarises the results and key outcomes. Part B (under separate cover) contains the Attachments to this report - comments and submissions received during the engagement. A total of 230 people participated during the community engagement period by responding to a survey (71), providing a written response (6), attending a workshop (6), attending a Talking Point at Thorndon Park (138) or a stakeholder Talking Point (9).

2 KEY OUTCOMES The following are the key outcomes from the community engagement on a vision for Thorndon Park: The community values Thorndon Park for its natural, native landscape; the vast open

space; and, as a place for everyone to come together and enjoy for leisure and informal activity. It is a memory making place. The Park provides the community with an idyllic, natural oasis or retreat in an urban environment.

The community’s vision for Thorndon Park does not seek a significant change in

direction for the Park, but rather, the retention of what is valued and enhancements that will make it even better for the community.

The most frequently mentioned enhancements included improved cleaning and

maintenance of the grounds and plants; facilities/activities that are all inclusive; facilities/activities for teenagers; additional barbecues, seating, shade, picnic areas and turning the kiosk into a fully functioning café; water activities and improvements to the water quality to allow for use of the lake; improvements to safety and security.

The community were indecisive about commercial ventures in the Park; some strongly

opposed any loss of park land and removal of trees; some opposed use of any area of the park for a hotel or pub or other commercial activity that conflicted with the family friendly nature of the Park; others felt there might be opportunities to explore for commercial activities that complemented the Park’s current use.


There was support for an improved response to environmental sustainability, with a

range of initiatives suggested by participants. The feedback from the community during this engagement will enable the formulation of a shared vision statement that can be used to guide the development of a Thorndon Park Master Plan.


3 METHODOLOGY 3.1 ACRONYMS AND EXPLANATORY NOTES ‘participants’ refers to the total number who provided feedback ‘respondents’ refers to the total number who completed either a hard copy or online survey (n=.......) below the heading in the graphs, is the number of respondents who answered the question

3.2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY In line with Council’s Public Consultation Policy, CONSULT was selected as the appropriate level of community engagement for seeking community feedback and submissions on a vision for Thorndon Park. The community engagement strategy included the distribution of an information pack and a survey, with lodgement either as hard copy or online on Council’s website. Alternatively, the community could attend a Talking Point to select their preferred images for Thorndon Park, attend a workshop to discuss the proposal, or send in a written submission (via email or letter) or creative piece (photographs, drawings, poems etc) that expressed their vision for the Park. Relevant Council Advisory Committees were also invited to comment. A copy of the information pack and survey are provided separately in Part B of this report. The consultation period was open for a four week period from Monday 28 November to Thursday 22 December 2011. 3.3 DATA COLLATION AND ANALYSIS Feedback in the surveys, submissions and at the workshop, and images selected at the Talking Point have been collated to produce this report. Due to the various methods used to obtain community feedback it was possible for results to be manipulated by an individual or group of individuals as follows.

It was possible for a single person to provide feedback via various methods, for example by completing a hard copy survey and an online survey as well as writing a submission and selecting a preferred image at the Talking Point.

It was possible that a single person lodged multiple hard copy or electronic survey

responses.

It was possible that a single person or group of people could rally others to make responses based on a particular view.

An audit of all responses received shows there was possibly some collusion with some similar veined responses and comments provided by some respondents. As the number of such cases was minimal each separate survey response was included in the analysis. The issue was reviewed after the data and analysis was completed and the impact of the responses in question on the over engagement outcomes is considered negligible.


3.4 CAUTION IN INTERPRETING THE RESULTS Caution should be used when reading and interpreting this report as the views of only a small percentage of the population may differ considerably to the general population of Campbelltown City Council. There were not enough responses to consider the results as representative of the views of the general community.

4 PARTICIPANTS This section provides details of the number of people who participated during the engagement period and the gender, age and suburb of residence of those who completed a survey (hard copy or online).

4.1 PARTICIPATION RATE The following table displays the level of community participation. Table 1 Level of Community Participation

Activity Number Participating

Survey – hard copy 53

Survey – online 18

Written response – letters/emails 6

Workshop – community 6

Talking Point – Carols in the Park 138

Stakeholder Talking Point – adjoining residential properties 9

Stakeholder Meeting – adjoining commercial properties 0

TOTAL COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION 230

Number of individual participants as a % of Campbelltown City Council population 15+ yrs1

0.6%

230 community members participated in the engagement being 0.6% of the Campbelltown population over 15 years of age. Seven (7) of the surveys included a visual creative piece (photograph or drawing) as part of the survey response. No ratepayers or tenants of commercial properties adjoining the Park attended the Stakeholder Meeting however one did contact Council with a written response.

4.2 PARTICIPANT CHARACTERISTICS Demographic data was obtained from survey respondents but not other participants, though observations of gender and age were recorded. The survey attracted good participation from all suburbs of Campbelltown Council except for Hectorville and Tranmere where the responses were relatively low. Although a very high proportion of survey respondents were aged over 55 years, and a high number of the participants in the workshop and at Talking Points were similarly in the older

1 Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 Census of Population and Housing

age ranges, this imbalance was corrected with a very high proportion of younger participants in the preferred image exercise. In all the engagement activities there were more female than male participants. 11 of the survey respondents indicated they were ratepayers/residents adjoining Thorndon Park, representing 15% of all survey responses. A comparative analysis showed no significant differences between the responses from this group of survey respondents and responses from others. Any differences that were identified however are noted throughout the report. 4.2.1 All Participants except Survey Respondents No demographic data was recorded for participants in any of the engagement activities except for the survey respondents. At the workshop and Talking Points it was observed that there was an approximate 50/50 split between male and female, with most over 45 years of age. More of the participants in the preferred images exercise were female than male and there was a high proportion of under 45 year olds. The exercise was aimed at young families and young people (12 to 24 years old), groups normally hard to reach and involve in consultation processes, and the majority of participants were in one of these categories which was a pleasing outcome. 4.2.2 Survey Respondents The characteristics of survey respondents were compared to the characteristics of the general Campbelltown community and the results are shown below by gender, age and suburb. Gender The following graph shows the split between males and females who responded to the survey compared to the Campbelltown community population distribution.

Graph 1: Gender

Gender(n=67)

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40% of respondents to this question were male and 60% were female. The percentage of male respondents was slightly lower and the percentage of female was slightly higher than the Campbelltown community proportions (48% and 52%2 respectively).

Age The following graph shows the age range of survey respondents compared to the Campbelltown community age distribution.

Graph 2: Age

Age Range(n=69)

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The age distribution of survey participants was disproportionate to that of the Campbelltown community with the majority of respondents aged 55 to 74 years. There was a relatively low response rate from 18-54 year olds. However, given the difficulty in reaching young adults to complete surveys, the percentage of respondents aged in the 18 to 24 years group (6%) is considered relatively good.

Suburb The following graph shows the distribution of survey respondents by suburb compared to the Campbelltown community population distribution.

2 Ibid


Graph 3: Suburb

Suburb(n=71)

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Respondents were drawn from all suburbs in the Campbelltown City Council area and the distribution somewhat resembled the population distribution across the Campbelltown community except for Athelstone, Paradise and Rostrevor with higher proportions of respondents, likely due to the closer proximity of Thorndon Park to these suburbs. The impact of the higher proportion from these suburbs resulted in lower proportions for the other suburbs, and in particular Hectorville and Tranmere where the number of respondents was relatively low.



5 RESULTS – COMMUNITY FEEDBACK A variety of techniques were used to obtain the community’s vision for Thorndon Park and this section provides the results from the feedback received via these various techniques used during the engagement period. 5.1 COMMUNITY WORKSHOP A community workshop was held on Wednesday 7 December from 6pm to 8.30pm. Six community members and one Elected Member attended the workshop. The Elected Member was there to listen and did not partake in the discussion except to answer some questions that were relevant to the topic. Participants at the workshop were presented with similar questions to those in the survey and afforded the opportunity to discuss their opinions and views with other participants. They also participated in a preferred image exercise where they selected photographs of park settings and activities (from a set of 77 randomly selected photographs that included the 29 in the Information Pack) that represented what they’d like Thorndon Park to look like in the future, as well as images that represented what they did not want Thorndon Park to look like. The following are the key points raised by the group during the discussions and they are presented in no specific order. There was no ranking of these points to determine which were considered to be more important by the group of attendees. 5.1.1 Like about Thorndon Park (not ranked) Open space Mixed use space - topography Biodiversity - Flora and fauna (koala) Natural beauty People friendly Relaxing Walking/pathways Therapy – inner health Family oriented Fitness Safe Water Unique – large green open space in middle of city Value open space as it combats urban density increase Hidden gem 5.1.2 Don’t like about Thorndon Park at the moment (not ranked) Cars being broken into Lake - polluted and smaller than before Needs better access for people with a disability Risk adverse No model boats/ paddle boats


Not enough trees, particularly around the walkway Area downsized (land sold by state government) No small modest café during the week No toilet facilities on western end Not enough shelters Not enough seating Freezing the plans for a ‘natural’ maze Threat of state government to recoup $750,000 Not enough car parking Limited public transport access No toilets for people with a disability Limited / inconspicuous signage at heritage sites 5.1.3 What to keep (not ranked) Trees Water Wildlife Walking trails Chess board Barbecues Rotunda Pavilion Toilets Open space – flat grass areas Amphitheatre Children’s’ playground Waterfall (top north corner) historic buildings Historic buildings Boundary fence line Car park 5.1.4 What to keep that can’t be held in the hand (eg feelings, what park

represents) (not ranked) Australiana theme (ie natural environment/bushland setting) Open air Views to hills Views / vista / postcard quality Isolation in a city, seclusion, hidden gem in the City of Campbelltown No noise (eg tree perimeter for natural noise barrier) Animal habitat People friendly Memories Inviting place Place of discovery - can’t see it all at once from one location

5.1.5 Vision Words / Statements (not ranked) Explore Relax Discover Wide variety recreational uses Oasis (nature) in concrete jungle (suburbia) Family friendly park Peaceful / tranquillity People friendly Adelaide’s best keep secret Retreat from the heat Blue/green Play 5.1.6 Images of what Thorndon Park should look like in 20 – 30 years Most preferred images of what the group as a whole considered Thorndon Park should look like in 20 – 30 years:


The following were the least preferred images by the group as a whole:

5.1.7 Suggestions for Social/Cultural Sustainability (not ranked) Paddling pool (could be small fee to pay) Musical fountain with lights Aboriginal arts Multicultural – attract / enhance use Market / community garden

- sell goods



- incorporate kitchen - learn cooking from produce - centre for people with a disability

Use volunteers (possibly walks/trails around the entire park) 5.1.8 Suggestions for Economic Sustainability (not ranked) Not supportive of giving a segment of the park to a privately owned commercial

venture Considered there to be a conflict between a park and a hotel/alcohol However, would consider:

- Concert/movies in the park – pay to watch - Putt Putt or similar – user pays - Hospitality use such as a community owned restaurant / café – use produce from

community garden 5.1.9 Suggestions for Environment Sustainability (not ranked) Use recycled materials to develop infrastructure for use by community Self sufficient garden – for café Water purification of lake – reed bed EXAMPLES Several people from the group named parks which represented their vision for Thorndon Park: Alnwick Castle and Garden, England, UK

- water - treehouse - maze

Twyfelfontein Lodge, Namibia - (Doubtful Spring) - Recycled materials in buildings

5.2 SURVEYS During the engagement a range of methods were used to promote the availability of an Information Pack and Survey. The survey was made available both in hard copy format and online. The survey asked a range of mainly open-ended questions to ascertain what the community valued about the Park, what they didn’t like about it, and what they wanted it to look like in 20 to 30 years time. The community were given the opportunity to use the survey form to send in a photograph, drawing, poem or any other creative piece that represented their vision for Thorndon Park. The survey also asked questions about how a sustainable (socially and culturally, economically and environmentally) Thorndon Park could be achieved. A total of 71 surveys responses were received during the engagement period. The following key themes emerged from each of the questions in the survey. The themes are ranked in


order of the frequency of times mentioned in the responses (1 being the most frequently mentioned). 5.2.1 What do you value most about Thorndon Park? (1 = most frequently mentioned) 1. Open space 2. Natural environment, trees, bush 3. Water/lake/water features 4. Family friendly; for everyone 5. Children’s playground 6. Walking tracks 7. Peaceful, tranquil, quiet 8. Barbecues / picnic spot 9. Wildlife (birds, koalas, ducks) 10. Accessible, position, close, free entry 11. Well maintained 12. Place for recreation 13. Unique, hidden gem, oasis 14. No commercial use, not developed 15. Separation from developed world around it 16. Shade areas 17. Kiosk / café 18. Facilities 5.2.2 What disappoints you most about Thorndon Park at the moment? (1 = most frequently mentioned) 1. Threat of loss of open space (sale, housing, commercial use) 2. Lack of attractions/activities 3. No café (open all the time) 4. Lack of maintenance (removal of dead branches, weeds, rubbish) 5. Rubbish (weekends in particular) 6. Water level / quality, unable to use 7. No park ranger/surveillance 8. Not enough playground equipment / crowding on existing equipment 9. Not available at night (lack of lighting) 10. No water safety and need for fencing of children’s area 11. North/east corner wasted space 12. Not enough shade 13. Not enough tables, seats, barbecues 14. Didn’t proceed with the maze 15. Car park – needs improvement 16. Not dog friendly (Note: some indicated they valued not having dogs allowed) 17. Conflict between ball games and barbecue/picnic areas 18. Traffic/parking on Hamilton Terrace 19. Need for greater biodiversity, more planting 5.2.3 Describe what you want Thorndon Park to be like in 20 to 30 years time? (1 = most frequently mentioned) 1. The same, similar; the same but with more 2. More trees, lush, natural environment


3. Place for the family, for people all ages and abilities, social hub 4. Open space retained 5. More pristine, well maintained and clean 6. More activities (most frequently mentioned, water/lake activities such as paddle boats,

fish in the lake, netball/basketball courts, + range of activities mentioned once or twice)

7. Place to relax, enjoy, for leisure and recreation and have fun 8. Gardens (various garden types mentioned such as community garden, example

sustainability garden, international flower garden, exotic plant garden, mini botanic garden, perception garden, children’s garden, sensory garden, garden rooms,

9. Place for picnic and barbecue areas 10. Like the idea of the maze 11. Calming, peaceful, relaxed place - provides escape from world 12. More facilities – tables, seats, barbecues, shelter 13. Remains accessible to public and free to use 14. Kiosk/café 15. Some suitable commercial to complement park activities 16. Water/lake retained 17. More playgrounds 18. Walking trails 19. No commercial development / undeveloped 20. Wildlife retained / sanctuary 5.2.4 Describe what you DON’T want Thorndon Park to be like in 20 to 30

years time? (1 = most frequently mentioned) 1. Don’t want development - commercial, hotel (alcohol/pokies), residential, buildings

generally 2. Don’t want a park that isn’t maintained, is vandalised, damaged, run down 3. Don’t want less of the natural environment (trees/plants/wildlife) 4. Don’t want a Disney style fun park, theme park, pay on rides, commercial fun fare,

side show 5. Don’t want concrete, steel, paving 6. Don’t want the Park smaller / land sold off 7. Don’t want over crowding; 8. Don’t want an empty/sterile park 9. Don’t want open space taken up by children’s play grounds / toys 10. Don’t want facilities that attract undesirable activities/behaviour; 5.2.5 Five key words that should be included in a vision statement for

Thorndon Park. Similar meaning words have been grouped but not changed. This grouping has only been for words where the meaning is not unambiguous. (1 = most frequently mentioned) 1 family, family oriented, family friendly 2 natural, nature, natural vistas, nature reserve, bushland, more trees 3 open-spaced, spacious 4 community 5 relaxing, relaxation


6 enjoyable, enjoy green peaceful, quite, tranquillity 7 accessible, accessibility clean; well maintained free, not expensive fun safety, safe, security welcoming, inviting wildlife, wildlife habitat, native flora and fauna, birds 8 eco-friendly, environment, bio-diverse recreational, leisure 9 beauty, beautiful attractive diverse, diversity (activities) interactive, engaging, active 10 educational, learning inclusive lively, vibrant, life non-commercial, no business interests playground, playground equipment pleasing, appealing, desirable unique, exceptional water 11 excitement, exciting friendly health history, preserved meeting place modern parkland park people-friendly sanctuary sustainability, sustainable 12 aboriginal art and names amazing art availability BBQ brave casual children coffee convenient cultural entertainment exercise exploring fences fresh friends funky


growth novelty picnic proud shade sociable supervised toilets tourism unchanged undeveloped unspoilt walking wellness

In addition to the above words, the following specific phrases were suggested: A little gem in the midst of suburbia Leaf it as is now. Living museum Oasis of nature and recreation Respecting environment The past honoured; future embraced. Respondents were also given the opportunity to submit a creative piece (photograph, drawing, poem etc) that represented their vision for Thorndon Park. The following is a summary (in no specific order) of the key words included in the seven creative pieces received during the engagement. Creative piece Key words included in creative piece Photograph of Chinese Garden

A Chinese Garden in the north east corner of the Park – the tranquility of a Chinese Garden with a lily pond would add to the harmonious vision I have for the Park

Sketch plan of half of the Park (eastern side)

Existing car park upgraded; paved area on western side – rose and other garden on eastern side [area immediately north of car park];

Open space for ball games; [north east corner of park]; Picnic lawned treed area to be maintained and developed; Enlarged playground equipment

Photographs of man made beach at South Bank, Brisbane Queensland

“The main vision I have is converting the large water area, or at least part of it to a beach and sand area with shaded areas (eg like in Brisbane city) with hammocks and tables and chairs that extend out from a cafeteria. I think it would be very inviting to people of all ages.”

Diagram of a labyrinth “The labyrinth – ancient symbol, replicated all over the world to generate spiritual awareness and modern culture – can be drawn on ground, made of hedges, shaded with canopy or left exposed I prefer labyrinth over a maze because it is non competitive, reflects interior personal journey and is always a sure win outcome.”


Creative piece Key words included in creative piece Drawing of a mind map “Community park, environmentally sustainable flora/bird life

[connected to]: - Environmental education for schools / tourist groups - Upgrade kiosk to cater for functions (booking fees) - Non denomination outside chapel for weddings and other

religious functions (booking fees) - Night markets (booking fees) - Drought resistant grassed areas - Shaded picnic/play areas - Clean lakes, water features, - Bird sanctuary”

Sketch concept plan of Park

“Emphasise and promote more water features, include a café and restaurant, allow for sports. Once inside the park, the outside world should disappear: Big trees on perimeter Café strip [southern edge of park] – views!! Water fountain [lake] Quite nice – restaurant? [existing picnic area] Pavilion Love this water feature [curved water way from north to lake] Move play ground [immediately north of car park] If needed, skateboard ramp [next to relocated playground] Tennis, putt putt golf, netball [immediately north of move

playground] Picturesque garden, pond, water feature [north east corner of

park]” Photographs of 2 adventure play space parks

“2 examples of adventure equipment suited for a variety of ages. Picture 1: Angled climber and block steps at Wandiligong

Park, Victoria Picture 2: ‘Maypole’ net at Kids Town, Shepparton, Victoria -

recommend visit to this Park “ 5.2.6 Social and Cultural considerations Respondents were asked what three key things are needed to ensure everyone can use and enjoy Thorndon Park in the future. The following are the key responses. (1 = most frequently mentioned) 1. Have sufficient, more facilities – many specified facilities such as barbecues, picnic

areas, recreational facilities, shade, kiosk, youth facilities 2. Keep it accessible to everyone; available for all ages / everyone; free to use 3. Retain the open space, grassed open areas (to run, kick a football); keep it as is to not

feel crowded 4. Retain natural setting, plants; retain as a park, 5. Activities for all ages; diverse activities and multiple use; variety of community events 6. Retain park size; no commercial development / buildings 7. Have a safe, secure place; provide park ranger; get rid of conflict between uses (eg

ball games in eating areas) 8. Obtain investment (sponsorship, grants, income producing functions); people support

(volunteers, in management) 9. Keep it maintained and clean

A few also stated that it should be kept “Australian” which could relate to a number of above points on how to ensure it is available to everyone. 5.2.7 Economic considerations Respondents were asked how they felt about a section along the southern frontage of Thorndon Park being rezoned “Tourism and Hospitality” to allow development. The following graph shows the level of support for this proposal. Graph 4: Level of support for a section of Thorndon Park being rezoned “Tourism and

Hospitality”

Level of Support for Section of Park Rezoned "Tourism and Hospitality"

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More than half the respondents (58%) did not support a section of the park being rezoned ‘Tourism and Hospitality’. A higher proportion (73%) of the 11 respondents who were ratepayers and residents adjoining the Park did not support the proposal. For these 11 respondents their reasons for supporting or not supporting the proposal were similar to all other participants. For those who SUPPORTED the proposal, the most frequently mentioned reasons included: (1 = most frequently mentioned) 1. Will enhance the area; will provide a pleasant venue on a scenic outlook 2. Will attract people (now; future generations) 3. Allows for economic development; supports local business 4. Impact will be marginal (given proposed size on overall land parcel) For those who OPPOSED the proposal, the most frequently mentioned reasons included:



(1 = most frequently mentioned) 1. Will destroy part of the park; removal of part of ecosystem; removal of trees; loss of

park space 2. Against any commercialisation / development in the park; opens door to more

development 3. Against private business / individuals profiteering from community owned land 4. Hotel already across the road for those who want it; should not have hotel / alcohol in

park Many respondents were able to provide other suggestions to provide for economic sustainability of the park, and these included: (1 = most frequently mentioned) 1. Park should not be economically sustainable; Council should absorb costs to run 2. Kiosk open more frequently, regularly; develop kiosk into a cafe 3. Charge for use of park for weddings, concerts, movie nights, dances, functions 4. Income generating activity / facility (north east corner) 5. Hire out a function centre for weddings, events 6. Small levy (on rates; on homes with minimal open space) 7. Small entrance fee; donations at entry gate 8. Produce market or weekend market 9. Community garden with produce sold 10. Sponsorship by business; government grants Other ideas mentioned once included having and/or charging for: Tree top walk Chair hire Boating/kayaking for hire Paddle boats for hire Water slides Fetes and community events Mini golf Basketball/tennis courts Garden shops Convention centre for hire Information booth to direct users of the park to local businesses Model train for rides Indoor swimming pool 5.2.8 Environmental considerations Respondents were asked what the one key environmental feature of Thorndon Park they valued the most was. The key environmental features valued by respondents were: (1 = most frequently mentioned) 1. Native vegetation; trees; plants 2. Water; water features 3. Open space; grassed open areas 4. Wildlife; birds


5. The environment provides fresh air; a place to meet; a pleasant place to walk; freedom to move; and is a place that is peaceful; calming; attractive/beautiful; refreshes physical, mental and spiritual health; and has integrity and history

Respondents were asked for ideas for environmental sustainability included: (1 = most frequently mentioned) 1. More and improved maintenance of native vegetation (including more trees; more

planting; plant according to established principles; more endangered species; more bird attracting species; continuous rotation of planting; re-plant before trees die)

2. Improve water quality/levels (including no more leaks; aerate with fountain; don’t let reeds take over)

3. Provide more protection for wildlife (including breeding platforms; sanctuaries; no domestic animals); encourage more wildlife

4. Implement water conservation measures (including underground watering; use bore water; rainwater tanks for amenities)

5. Install solar panels for power (including for kiosk; buildings; lighting; fans under trees) 6. Promote park as a source of education; create an educational facility (including good

signage that shows plants for use at home; encourage understanding and care) 7. Create community groups (Landcare, school groups, friends of park) to undertake

more planting 8. Protect vegetation from inappropriate behaviour of users; more surveillance; remove

rubbish 9. Obtain more funding (Council, State Government, business); adequate funding 10. Create a special native flower area; native plants nursery; sell native plants 11. Create a vegetable garden; community garden; organic garden 12. Have minimal additional solid structures eg buildings 13. Have low key water activity; water activities on main water expanse 5.2.9 Further Comments Respondents provided a range of further comments, most of which reiterate points raised by the respondent or other respondents in response to previous questions in the survey. All further comments are reproduced verbatim in Part B of this report (under separate cover).

5.3 PREFERRED IMAGES (AT CAROLS IN THE PARK)

A preferred images exercise was undertaken at a Talking Point at Thorndon Park during the Carols in the Park. 77 randomly selected photographs of parks and park facilities and activities were placed on display. These included the 29 photographs in the Information pack. Participants were invited to select a set of images that represented what they would like Thorndon Park to look like in 20 to 30 years time, and in contrast, a set of images that represented what they did not want Thorndon Park to look. The following images are those most preferred by participants and those least preferred for Thorndon Park.

Most preferred images of what Thorndon Park should look like in 20 – 30 years


Least preferred images of what Thorndon Park should look like in 20 – 30 years

5.4 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS The community could also provide feedback on their vision for Thorndon Park via an email, letter or other written submission. Six written submissions were received and the following is a summary of each. Rotary Club of Morialta – propose that the Club in association with the Rotary Club of

Usa Japan and Council develop Australia’s first Ground Golf Course at Thorndon Park – played in Japan, it is a mix of golf and croquet played on normal flat grass areas

Independent Living Units Committee of Bupa Retirement Village - keep the park a peaceful place; Any 'Tourism Hospitality Precinct' should not prevent continuous walk around the park as at present; enlarged cafe/shop type area would be fine; possible zigzag path with seats at intervals through copse of trees north of car park; rose garden; gazebo; a children's maze would be nice

Resident – supports idea of maze scosa (Spastic Centre of South Australia Inc) – supports the incorporation of an

inclusive maze Inclusive Directions - support for an all inclusive activity such as a maze Rezz – reaffirming views as previously presented to Council



6 ANALYSIS – THE THEMES TO EMERGE 6.1 VALUE ABOUT THORNDON PARK The workshop discussion, survey responses and written submissions identified a range of reasons for why the community values Thorndon Park. Key themes to emerge were: The setting – the natural environment

Natural Australian bush Water / lake

Wildlife (birds, ducks, koalas)

The space: vast / grassed areas / open space; space so it doesn’t feel crowded It is for all the community / for everyone of all ages and background; family friendly A place for leisure and recreation; a place to enjoy

Picnics / barbecues Playground

Walking trail

Unstructured physical activity eg children’s playground, kicking a football

The peace and tranquillity; the seclusion from the contrasting urban surrounds 6.2 DIRECTIONS FOR THORNDON PARK The following is a visual “word cloud” using font size and colour to highlight the different frequency of words used by participants in their feedback on a vision for Thorndon Park. The larger the word the more frequently it was mentioned by participants and this provides some further clarification on what participants consider important for the Park in the future.

The workshop discussion, survey responses and written submissions showed a number of key themes to consider in the development of a vision statement and Master Plan for Thorndon Park. Keep all that the community currently values about the Park (identified in 6.1), improve

maintenance and enhance grounds and infrastructure Ensure it is a place for everyone with the need to provide:

activities/facilities for teenagers and older people all inclusive access and activities/facilities for people with a disability

Do not include any theme park type activities/facilities; however, provide some water

based activities/facilities



Provide more facilities such as barbecues, seating, shade, picnic areas and turn the kiosk into a fully functioning café

Ensure the Park is safe for all users and has sufficient security to minimize inappropriate

behaviour and damage The preferred images exercises revealed both older and younger members of the community want a park with more active recreational pursuits for teenagers and children, and for younger members this was particularly around water based activities. Older members of the community, although acknowledging the need to cater more for teenagers, also wanted existing attributes of the park to be retained for passive and informal leisure pursuits (eg picnics, walking). Over half the respondents opposed a proposal to zone a section of Thorndon Park Tourism and Hospitality. Many opposed it because they did not any want any reduction in the size of the park and/or loss of trees. Although the Information Pack for the engagement made no mention of a hotel or pub other respondents expressed their opposition to a commercial venue (hotel/pub) selling alcohol in the Park. Such opposition appeared to be twofold: 1) against a commercial venture, and 2) against alcohol consumption in the Park (even though it is currently not banned). There was however, support for better café type facilities and possibly a function centre (for weddings etc). There were mixed suggestions for other income generating ventures. There was support for an improved response to environmental sustainability, with a range of initiatives suggested by participants. 6.3 SUPPORT FOR MASTER PLAN AND PROCESS The results from all community engagement events and activities show support for the development of a Master Plan for Thorndon Park. There were no negative comments received on the Plan itself or the process for the development of the Plan and, in some instances, Council was commended for providing opportunities for the community to participate in all stages. During Stage 1, and in the following month, 50 community members put their name forward to participate in Stage 2 (development of concept plan options). This Stage 1 Thorndon Park community engagement process elicited feedback from the community on its vision for Thorndon Park. The detailed results will enable the formulation a shared vision statement that can be used to guide the development of a Thorndon Park Master Plan.

Documents

THE VISION - Campbelltown City Council Park... · Community Feedback Report – Thorndon Park Master Plan STAGE 1: THE VISION Page 1 1 INTRODUCTION Identifying a vision for Thorndon