Community called to share their vision for Stuart Park

Stuart Park is Wollongong’s premier park destination and we know our community love this precinct for a range of different reasons.

We’re taking a strategic approach to the long-term planning of Stuart Park and the surrounding area and we’re calling for everyone who uses this area to get involved in this process and share feedback.

Stuart Park is used by many different people and groups for activities including but not limited to big community events, walking and cycling, outdoor exercise, picnicking, skydiving and even birding (bird watching).

We recognise that this park has been important to many people, including visitors to the area. That’s why we want to know what you value about Stuart Park and the surrounding area and your ideas for improving it as a recreation, cultural, environmental and sporting space.

“Since the original Blue Mile Masterplan was formally adopted in 2007, there have been significant improvements to a number of features along the Blue Mile, from the playground, shelters, pathways, public amenities and carparks,” Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said.

“Stuart Park and JP Galvin Park make up a key destination in the northern section of the city’s Blue Mile Precinct and we’re in the process of delivering a number of major projects, including the refurbishment of the North Beach Surf Life Saving Club and seawall, and construction of a new All Ages All Abilities playground in Stuart Park.

“We want to speak with our community and people who visit the area to develop a broader vision for the Stuart Park precinct. This Masterplan will build upon the positive work that’s already happening in this space and set out a vision that will guide the actions Council can achieve over the next ten years.”

We know that Stuart Park, as a location near a coastal lagoon, nearby rock platforms, and known Aboriginal sites, is an area that has a special place in the community. As part of our process, we’ll be talking directly to the local Aboriginal community over the coming months to understand more about the history and significance of this place.

“The Stuart Park Masterplan will be a practical strategic document that will guide the future use of this area as a recreational, community, events and green space. So, it’s important that we get this right by speaking directly with the people who use and love this area,” Mr Doyle said.

“Our first step, before we can even put pen to paper and start drafting the Masterplan, is that we need to speak directly with our community. I encourage everyone to share their thoughts on Stuart Park. What do you want to see happen in the next ten years for this important precinct?”

The development of the draft Stuart Park Masterplan will happen in two phases. The first phase involves gathering information from our community.

Phase 1 – this is where we’re at right now!

We’ll speak with the people, businesses and community groups who use the precinct to find out:

• How does the community currently use the space?
• What does our community most value about the park?
• How can we improve the Stuart Park precinct for the whole community over the next 10 years?
• How should we incorporate Aboriginal cultural values and significance of this area into the Masterplan?
• How would you like to use the space? What would encourage you to spend time here?

We’re also asking residents to share their favourite memories, stories or photos of Stuart Park!

Phase 2 – starting next year

Once Phase 1 is complete, we’ll use your feedback to draft a Masterplan. We’ll then go back to our community to seek feedback on the proposed plans and initiatives.

For more information or to have your say, visit the Our Wollongong website. Feedback for Phase 1 of the Stuart Park Masterplan closes 22 November 2021.