HAIG PARK Place Plan - ACT Government · The Haig Park Place Plan aims to provide a path toward making Haig Park a great park. Haig Park’s importance lies in its centrality, its

HAIG PARK Place Plan CONSULTATION REPORT

Prepared by Tait NetworkOct 2018

C o n t a c tDesign and Place Strategy Team City Renewal Authority E: [email protected] P: (02) 6205 1878

C o n s u l t a n t Te a mTait NetworkVe r s i o n C o n t r o l

Revision A GM 28.09.18 Design Conceptfor CRA Review

Revision B GM 22.10.18 Developmentfor CRA Review

Revision C GM 12.11.18 Draft Final

Revision D GM 21.11.18 Draft Final

H A I G P A R K P L A C E P L A N C O N S U L T A T I O N R E P O R T T H E S T O R Y S O F A R

In early 2017 the ACT Government began a process to renew Haig Park, with the aim of creating an inviting and compelling space while conserving and promoting heritage significance.

Two stages of community engagement were held that year, focussing on understanding stakeholder and community views. These included workshops, online engagement, stakeholder meetings, drop-in consultations and presentations from subject experts.

The Haig Park Place Plan presents the next phase of that engagement process. It identifies a series of short-term interventions and activations and potential long-term improvements that are informed by and reflect what the community told us during previous consultation stages. The place plan introduces a process where we test how the community use and interact with temporary activations to understand if and how well they achieve community aspirations for the park.

This report summarises the phase three consultation process, revealing the insights of the community, suggesting a path toward activating and revitalising Haig Park.

Great parks are places of delight and possibility. O u r i n d i v i d u a l a n d c o l l e c t i v e h e a l t h i s s i g n i f i c a n t l y i m p r o v e d t h r o u g h i n t e r a c t i n g w i t h t h e o u t d o o r s . G r e a t p a r k s p r o v i d e t h e a r e n a t o c o n d u c t s u c h i n t e r a c t i o n s .

The Haig Park Place Plan aims to provide a path toward making Haig Park a great park. H a i g P a r k ’ s i m p o r t a n c e l i e s i n i t s c e n t r a l i t y , i t s c o n n e c t i o n s t o t h e p a s t a n d t h e l i n k s i t p r o v i d e s t o s o m a n y e l e m e n t s o f o u r c o m m u n i t y . I t i s a g a t e w a y, a k e y t r a n s i t r o u t e , a n d a g r e e n b e l t b r i m m i n g w i t h p o t e n t i a l .

It will continue to act as an urban forest that creates a sense of respite from the city, while providing greater opportunit ie s for creative action, physical activity and joyful expressions of community engagement.

HAIG PARK PLACE PLAN CONSULTATION REPORT

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W H A T I S A P L A C E P L A N ?

A place plan is the result of a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximise shared value. It utilises the local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well-being.

As both an overarching idea and a practical approach for improving a neighbourhood, city, or region, placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of their community.

With community-based participation at its heart, a good placemaking process capitalises on a local community’s assets, knowledge and potential. The creation of quality public spaces that contribute to our quality of life ideally follow.

Crucially, a place plan allows us to activate the ideas of the community and Haig Park’s stakeholders with greater agility and flexibility. The collaborative and iterative nature of placemaking will facilitate a community driven reimagining and reinvention of Haig Park.

T H E H A I G P A R K P L A C E P L A N

The Haig Park Place Plan sets out three stages: short-term experiments and activations, evaluate and change, and long-term improvements.

These stages are cyclical and allow ongoing evolution and community participation throughout their lifetime.

The first short-term activations are expected to be in place for a period of approximately six months. Where possible, they may be trialled in different locations and different forms. The community’s response to the activations will be monitored and feedback sought. At the end of this process, a decision will be made to either implement them as a long-term improvement. This process will enable a series of long-term improvements to be implemented that have been road-tested with the community to ensure their success.


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S H O R T - T E R M E X P E R I M E N T S A N D A C T I V A T I O N S :

• Community inspired

• Temporary (tactical urbanism)

• Cost effective

• Monitorable (can monitor the effect of intervention)

• Create momentum and interest

• Trial ideas

E V A L U A T E A N D C H A N G E

• Monitor the success of short-term experiments and activations through the ACT Government Place Audit Framework

• Respond to findings through adaption and modification

• Facilitate community input to the next experiment and activation selection

L O N G - T E R M I M P R O V E M E N T S

• Implement long-term improvements of proven short-term experiments and activations


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P R O P O S E D A C T I O N S

A collection of options for enhancement of Haig Park were compiled based on a detailed review and analysis of Haig Park in 2017 which considered:

• its role and context

• its heritage and historically status and value

• how people use it and would like to use it

• what people think about the park and community perception and sentiment

• its potential and future as part of Canberra’s urban future

A comprehensive community and stakeholder engagement program was a core element of the review and analysis. The community and stakeholder input and contributions from the first two phases of engagement along with a Place Utilisation Study and a detailed study of similar spaces around the world identified 10 themes each with a number of activations to improve Haig Park.

The ideas are a collection of infrastructure improvements and public activities or event programs. The intention is to reveal the key areas and ideas that most energise the community, and introduce the ideas as a way to opening a more specific and focussed dialogue about improving Haig Park.


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S H O R T - T E R M E X P E R I M E N T S A N D A C T I V A T I O N S BASED ON COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER INPUT AND CONTRIBUTIONS

HERITAGE LINKAGES INFRASTRUCTURE BIODIVERSITY IDENTITY SAFETY PLAY HEALTH AND FITNESS

DESTINATION CULTURAL PROGRAM

• Educational signage and artwork exploring the heritage of the park

• Program of educational talks within the park

• East-west cycle link through light and quick measures (linemarking)

• North-south connections at key city grid locations

• Street crossings at key locations along the length of the park

• Alternate treatments for enhancing existing desire lines through park

• Bridge crossings to break down circulation barriers between watercourses

• Water stations at multiple locations within the park, connecting to activities and recreation loops

• Grass beds into existing pocket parking lots

• Seating throughout the park

• Trial infrastructure locations and types

• Reclaim carpark for civic activities

• Fix and refresh toilet block at the end of Mort Street

• Improve toilet cleaning regime and security cameras

• Install civic uses to the existing depot site such as a pop up stage or pavilion

• Educational signage demonstrating the history and biodiversity of the park

• Trial plant species to determine the most appropriate planting outcomes, particularly along Sullivans Creek and understorey

• Wayfinding signage throughout the park

• Signage along major thoroughfares such as Northbourne Avenue and Limestone Avenue to define the park within the city context

• Sculptural elements within the park to enhance identity and act as landmarks and focal points

• Lighting along key linkages and decorative lighting amongst the trees

• Attend to dead and dying trees that pose a safety risk

• Dog walking amenities such as water bowls and pick-up bags

• Pop up nature play and a pop up playground within the park

• Mobile pump track

• Game facilities such as table tennis, chess, and checkers

• Fitness equipment

• Running tracks of different distances

• Partner with local organisations to facilitate yoga, bootcamp and group fitness classes within the park

• Encourage walking and dog walking through and within the park

• Pop up library with associated loose seating

• Provide opportunities for temporary cafés or coffee vans with associated seating

• Pop up civic building that could cater to multiple users, with opportunities for public hire

• Provide facilities in the Turner Parkland to facilitate larger events and cultural program

• Develop partnerships with local organisations to deliver the program

• Develop an events calendar to introduce activities and programs within the park such as:

• Sculpture festival or other temporary arts event

• Film screenings• Food markets• Music festivals/

performances• Carnivals• Farmer’s markets

7HAIG PARK PLACE PLAN CONSULTATION REPORT

HERITAGE LINKAGES INFRASTRUCTURE BIODIVERSITY IDENTITY SAFETY PLAY HEALTH AND FITNESS

DESTINATION CULTURAL PROGRAM

• Educational signage and artwork exploring the heritage of the park

• Program of educational talks within the park

• East-west cycle link through light and quick measures (linemarking)

• North-south connections at key city grid locations

• Street crossings at key locations along the length of the park

• Alternate treatments for enhancing existing desire lines through park

• Bridge crossings to break down circulation barriers between watercourses

• Water stations at multiple locations within the park, connecting to activities and recreation loops

• Grass beds into existing pocket parking lots

• Seating throughout the park

• Trial infrastructure locations and types

• Reclaim carpark for civic activities

• Fix and refresh toilet block at the end of Mort Street

• Improve toilet cleaning regime and security cameras

• Install civic uses to the existing depot site such as a pop up stage or pavilion

• Educational signage demonstrating the history and biodiversity of the park

• Trial plant species to determine the most appropriate planting outcomes, particularly along Sullivans Creek and understorey

• Wayfinding signage throughout the park

• Signage along major thoroughfares such as Northbourne Avenue and Limestone Avenue to define the park within the city context

• Sculptural elements within the park to enhance identity and act as landmarks and focal points

• Lighting along key linkages and decorative lighting amongst the trees

• Attend to dead and dying trees that pose a safety risk

• Dog walking amenities such as water bowls and pick-up bags

• Pop up nature play and a pop up playground within the park

• Mobile pump track

• Game facilities such as table tennis, chess, and checkers

• Fitness equipment

• Running tracks of different distances

• Partner with local organisations to facilitate yoga, bootcamp and group fitness classes within the park

• Encourage walking and dog walking through and within the park

• Pop up library with associated loose seating

• Provide opportunities for temporary cafés or coffee vans with associated seating

• Pop up civic building that could cater to multiple users, with opportunities for public hire

• Provide facilities in the Turner Parkland to facilitate larger events and cultural program

• Develop partnerships with local organisations to deliver the program

• Develop an events calendar to introduce activities and programs within the park such as:

• Sculpture festival or other temporary arts event

• Film screenings• Food markets• Music festivals/

performances• Carnivals• Farmer’s markets

H O W W E E N G A G E D

F R O M 1 8 J U L Y T O 8 A U G U S T W E A S K E D S T A K E H O L D E R S A N D T H E C O M M U N I T Y T O I N D I C A T E W H I C H A C T I V A T I O N S W E S H O U L D F O C U S O N F I R S T T H R O U G H A S E R I E S O F E N G A G E M E N T A C T I V I T I E S . Online 216 people contributed via our YourSay engagement.

Drop-in sessions We hosted two drop-in sessions - the first was in Turner on Wednesday 1 August and the second was in Braddon on Sunday 5 August. More than 250 people attended these sessions, indicating their preferred activations and discussing the place plan with urban design, planning and Government experts.

Face-to-face interviews We visited more than 100 businesses in Braddon to get their thoughts and opinions on the place plan and how a healthier Haig Park can contribute to the area culturally, environmentally and economically. In addition, we distributed a survey to approximately 150 businesses in Braddon seeking feedback.

Postal delivery We delivered 5,500 postcards to residents in Braddon, Turner, Ainslie and Civic inviting them to have their say on the place plan.

Social media We promoted phase three through the ACT Government and City Renewal Authority Facebook and Twitter pages. Our posts reached over 15,000 people during the consultation period.


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Stakeholder meetings We met with a number of stakeholder groups to discuss and get feedback on the place plan including the North Canberra Community Council, local scouts group and local childcare centre. We also invited local schools, community groups and university groups, offering briefings on the place plan.

W H A T W E H E A R D

Through the various engagement activities a range of preferences were captured. Several key themes emerged from the community and stakeholder feedback and input. These key themes are:

Linkages and Infrastructure Improving the existing facilities, investing more in preserving the natural elements and establishing clear east-west linkages were high priorities for many members of the community.

Action! A large majority of people who discussed the plan and contributed at the drop-in consultations expressed a clear desire for the renewal process to begin as soon as practical, and that the revitalisation of Haig Park is long overdue.

Safety The most popular activation idea, by some distance, was to introduce fixed and decorative lighting for safety and amenity. The feedback confirmed there was a strong perception that some areas of the park felt unsafe. Therefore, people were reluctant to enter or use the large areas of the park. The limited visibility in and through the park, the lack of light and lack of people and activity were considered contributing factors to people feeling unsafe in the park.


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Culture The introduction of various cultural events to the park was especially popular in the drop-in consultations.

Play, Health and wellbeing Fitness equipment and play spaces were highly popular as were suggestions that improved the opportunities for controlled dogwalking.

Heritage Heritage was a lower priority for most people but there was general support for maintaining the urban forest character of the park, which is integral to its heritage value.

P R E F E R R E D T H E M E S Visitors to the YourSay site were asked to rate which activations they would like to see in Haig Park based on a scale of 5 for most important to 1 for least important.

YOURSAY 1

1 . SAFETY

2. LINKAGES

3. INFRASTRUCTURE

4. CULTURAL PROGRAM

5. HEALTH AND FITNESS

6. IDENTITY

7. DESTINATION

8. BIODIVERSITY

9. PLAY

10. HERITAGE


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1. Users did not have to number each activation. This data is therefore an expression of direct preferences. Full results of the YourSay survey available in Appendix A.

2. Data was collected at the drop-in events via people selecting the activations they would like us to focus on first by placing a colour-coded sticker in the appropriate theme’s area, as reflected in the image on page 18.

T H E N U M B E R S THANK YOU FOR YOUR

216We received 216 contributions via YourSay

300We spoke to over 300 individuals

100 We visited more than 100 local businesses, stakeholders and community groups

5,500We distributed more than 5,500 postcards to local residents and in local cafes

15,000We reached a social media audience of over 15,000

150We received over 150 items of written feedback

95%of people engaged were supportive of the process

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1 Lighting along key linkages and decorative lighting amongst the trees

2 Provide opportunities for temporary cafés or coffee vans with associated seating

3 Develop an events calendar to introduce activities and programs within the park

4 Pop up nature play and a pop up playground within the park

5 Fitness equipment

6 Running tracks

7 Seating throughout the park

8 East-west cycle link through light and quick measures (linemarking)

9 Dog walking amenities such as water bowls and pick-up bags

1 0 Trial plant species to determine the most appropriate planting outcomes

1 1 Encourage walking and dog walking through and within the park

1 2 Pop up library with associated loose seating

1 3 Partner with local organisations to facilitate yoga, bootcamp and group fitness classes within the park

1 4 Sculptural elements within the park to enhance identity and act as landmarks and focal points

1 5 Water stations at multiple locations within the park, connecting to activities and recreation loops

1 6 Fix and refresh toilet block at the end of Mort Street

1 7 Game facilities such as table tennis, chess, and checkers

1 8 North-south connections at key city grid locations

1 9 Develop partnerships with local organisations to deliver the program

2 0 Street crossings at key locations along the length of the park

2 1 Alternate treatments for enhancing existing desire lines through park

2 2 Install civic uses to the existing depot site such as a pop up stage or pavilion

2 3 Educational signage and artwork exploring the heritage of the park

2 4 Bridge crossings to break down circulation barriers between watercourses

2 5 Mobile pump track

1 Lighting along key linkages and decorative lighting amongst the trees

2 Improve toilet cleaning regime and security cameras

3 Attend to dead and dying trees that pose a safety risk

4 Fix and refresh toilet block at the end of Mort Street

5 Seating throughout the park

6 Street crossings at key locations along the length of the park

7 North-south connections at key city grid locations

8 Provide opportunities for temporary cafés or coffee vans with associated seating

9 Encourage walking and dog walking through and within the park

1 0 East-west cycle link through light and quick measures (linemarking)

1 2 Install civic uses to the existing depot site such as a pop up stage or pavilion

1 3 Develop an events calendar to introduce activities and programs within the park

1 4 Bridge crossings to break down circulation barriers between watercourses

1 5 Water stations at multiple locations within the park, connecting to activities and recreation loops

1 6 Develop partnerships with local organisations to deliver the program

1 7 Trial plant species to determine the most appropriate planting outcomes

1 8 Running tracks

1 9 Pop up nature play and a pop up playground within the park

2 0 Provide temporary facilities in the Turner Parkland to facilitate larger events and cultural program

2 1 Partner with local organisations to facilitate yoga, bootcamp and group fitness classes within the park

2 2 Dog walking amenities such as water bowls and pick-up bags

2 3 Fitness equipment

2 4 Sculptural elements within the park to enhance identity and act as landmarks and focal points

2 5 Alternate treatments for enhancing existing desire lines through park

D R O P - I N C O N S U L T A T I O N 2

Y O U R S A Y


W H A T Y O U T O L D U SH A V I N G Y O U R S A Y

T h e p a t hw ay s a n d r u n n i n g t r a c k s o f

v a r i o u s d i s t a n c e s l o o k g r e a t i n t h e p l a n . I f w e l l l i g h t e d I w o u l d u s e t h e s e 3 - 4 t i m e s a w e e k d u r i n g t h e e ve n i n g s . I t w o u l d

b e g r e a t i f t h e t r a c k d i s t a n c e w a s l o n g e n o u g h f o r e ve n t s

The pathways and running

tracks of various distances

look great in the plan. If

well lighted I would use

these 3-4 times a week

during the evenings. It

would be great if the track

distance was long enough

for eventvs

F i t n e s s e q u i p m e n t i s p o i n t l e s s . I t ’ s e x p e n s i v e , d o e s n ’ t p r o v i d e t h e w o r k o u t m o s t p e o p l e w a n t a n d t h e m o n e y c o u l d b e u s e d i n a b e t t e r w a y. I r e a l l y s u g g e s t l o o k i n g a t P r i n c e A l f r e d p a r k i n S y d n e y a s a n a m a z i n g p a r k e x a m p l e

DO NOT REDUCE CAR PARKING. DO NOT FOCUS ON SHORT-LIVED EQUIPMENT (EG SPORTS, FITNESS, GAMES) THAT IS EASILY DAMAGED. TRIAL PARTNERING WITH COMMERCIAL & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE ACTIVITIES THAT USERS REALLY WANT. T H I S I S

A G R E A T P L A N ! W E L L

D O N E .

MANY MORE PINE TREES SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE BRADDON END TO OPEN

UP GRASSY AREAS AND ENABLE THE PARK TO BE FUNCTIONALLY

USED, UNLIKE AT PRESENT. WE SHOULD AIM TO CREATE AN INVITING AREA LIKE THE

BEAUTIFUL GLEBE PARK.

I like the idea of a learners pump track for Haig

park. I have suggested a semi permanent one for the area adjacent to the

RUC in between creek and McCaughey St. RUC could

help maintain it.

Happy to see east west cycleway. Also like bridges over waterways and better pathways. Big fan also of naturalising Sullivans Creek. Looks good.

Park benches, tables,

more BBQ and family facilities

The community was invited to express their thoughts via the YourSay website, in feedback forms distributed at the drop-in consultation events, and through select cafes throughout Braddon. These responses included:

‘ K e e p s i m p l e i n t e r v e n t i o n , p a r k b r i n g s p e o p l e t o g e t h e r , k i d s p l a y g r o u n d g o o d w i t h n a t u r e p l a y . ’

The phrase “heritage significance” is

constantly used in official statements on

Haig Park; what are they? Heritage doesn’t

mean ‘old’ it means ‘culturally significant’.

‘Old’ shouldn’t be at the top of a list of

hierarchies.

I’m really excited about having a

friendly, enjoyable space nearby to spend time with

friends and family

E N H A N C E S E N S E O F

C O N T I N U I T Y O F P L A C E P A S T T H E

E A S T E R N A N D W E S T E R N E N D S O F

P A R K .

I don’t believe your survey of

use of the park has captured

extensive use of off-leash

dog area between Torrens St

and Limestone Ave. It is very

popular with dog owners

outside standard hours.

Please keep off-leash area.

As well as lighting in Park

important to improve lighting

in Girrahween Street which

is a major route from Ainslie

to Lonsdale Street and the

city. What will increased use

of Park do to the grass? Plant

understory shrubs.

Without fixing the lighting and visibility issues, all the efforts to create active spaces in the park will just create spaces for men, because women still won’t feel safe if they can’t see where the risks are.

‘A running/bike track along the length of the park, including a bridge over Creek, children’s playground and BBQ areas.’

I would really like to see a kids water

playground.

P A R K B E N C H E S ,

T A B L E S , M O R E B B Q

A N D F A M I L Y F A C I L I T I E S

A fenced dog park would be great too - lots of apartment pooches in the Braddon area that need a safe place to stretch their legs

Fitness for all ages with walking and

running tracks in the inner city

is vital.

Hold some monthly events throughout the

park.

‘ W E W O N ’ T B E L O S I N G T H E

P A R K O R C H O P P I N G D O W N T H E

T R E E S . ’

W H A T Y O U T O L D U SI ’ D L O V E Y O U I F . .

Via a postcard distributed to local Residents at local cafes and at the drop-in consultation sessions, we asked people to respond to Dear Haig Park, I’d love you if... The responses included:

• Create noise barriers that are visually appealing (eg green walls) and can be moved around

• Move the multicultural festival to the park

• More water stations, great inviting seating, naturalise the creek- encourage birds and little ones

• Pop up playground and tree top walk

• Specific nature play infrastructure! For both kids and adults to be involved in

• Would like to see thinning out of the rows for safety and amenity

• Fitness equipment should be located near the apartments. Better bbq facilities

• Make fun things happen regularly, like music

• No dogs off leash

• Controlled dog park

• Community gardens

• Trim lower branches to improve visibility. Plant species that don’t cause hayfever. Ensure noise at night doesn’t affect residents. Farmers markets great

• Gardens and markets

• Childfriendly, biodiversity, multicultural, Aboriginal heritage, Fitness - good work done by you!


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T H E K I D S A T T R E E H O U S E C H I L D C A R E A L S O H A D T H E I R S A Y O N W H A T C O U L D M A K E H A I G P A R K G R E A T

W H A T ’ S N E X T ?The results of the consultation are being considered by the City Renewal Authority and the ACT Government, with a view to roll out the first set of activations in early 2019. The community will be able to contribute their thoughts on this initial offering as part of the evaluate and change process outlined in the place plan.


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HAIG PARK Place Plan CONSULTATION REPORT

Prepared by Tait NetworkOct 2018

I n d i c a t i n g p r e f e r e n c e s o n a c t i v a t i o n s a t a d r o p - i n c o n s u l t a t i o n e v e n t

Documents

HAIG PARK Place Plan - ACT Government · The Haig Park Place Plan aims to provide a path toward making Haig Park a great park. Haig Park’s importance lies in its centrality, its