We would like your feedback on a landscape plan has been produced in order to improve the functionality, flow and access of Thomson Park for all park users.
Project status: Decision made
Open for feedback: 6 August 2018 to 27 August 2018
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Consultation has now closed
Consultation on the car park enhancement and landscape plan for Thomson Park has now closed. People were able to provide feedback from 6 August 2018 to 27 August 2018.
During this time we heard from 53 individuals and groups. You can read their feedback and view the staff report(external link) that was presented to the Coastal-Burwood Community Board on 15 October 2018.
On 15 October 2018 the Coastal-Burwood Community Board decided to(external link):
1. Approve the landscape plan for Thomson Park pending Council's approval of ongoing maintenance costs subject to:
1.1 Discussions and agreement with the Board on tree and plant species.
1.2 Within three months following implementation and operation of the landscape plan, staff provide a recommendation on the feasibility of additional picnic tables and seating being installed.
1.3 The picnic tables in the plan being the style of those made from milled timber similar to those at the South Brighton Domain.
2. Approve the removal of the trees at Thomson Park (as per the landscape plan).
Project timeframes:
- We expect that work to install the new toilet block will begin in late October/early November 2018 and the toilet will be operational in early December 2018. The old toilet block will remain on site until it reaches the end of its useful life and then it will be demolished.
- The tree removals are expected to be completed before the end of this year.
- Construction of the new basketball court, car park and installation of park furniture (seating, bike stands and rubbish bins) is then due to commence in February 2019.
- New planting works will then begin in the planting season in March/April 2019.
Why?
A landscape plan has been produced in order to improve the functionality, flow and access of Thomson Park for all park users.
Thomson Park car park enhancement and landscape plan
Aim of the project
- To improve the entry, access and usability of the car park.
- To mitigate the sand and dust issues in the park, with the lack of grass.
- To provide additional recreation choices for youth
- Address any safety concerns through using CPTED (crime prevention through environmental designs) guidelines.
What are we proposing?
This draft plan currently includes:
- A new sealed car park with an improved layout
- A new sealed basketball court
- The creation of a new picnic area
- Installation of new post and cable fencing
- Creation of a new entrance into the park further up Marine Parade and relocation of the park signage to this new entrance.
- Installation of two sets of security barrier arms to prevent night time use of the park.
- Removal of three trees which are in poor condition and replanting of new trees.
What is crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)?
This is a crime prevention philosophy based on proper design and effective use of the built environment leading to a reduction in the incidence and fear of crime, as well as an improvement in quality. CPTED reduces criminal opportunity and fosters positive social interaction among legitimate users of space.
For more information on CPTED(external link).
Park lighting
Lighting is not being proposed in this park as we do not want to encourage night time use of the park or give the community the impression that this is a safe place to be when it is dark.
Bike parking
Bike parking areas have been included in the plan for those who intend on travelling via bike to the park. We are proposing 6 bike racks, which will fit 12 bikes.
New picnic area
A new picnic area has been included in the landscape plan on the other side of the basketball court area. This includes a picnic table and some seating for park users.
Improvements in relation to wind shelter, with low level planting and wet ground with improved drainage in the park should make this a more user friendly area of the park. With the car park also being sealed and the sealed basketball court this should also reduce the dust issue in the park.
Car park improvements
The improved sealed asphalt car park incudes 20 car park spaces, which will be marked out and includes two mobility parks.
Thomson Park car park
Basketball Court
Thomson Park is recognised as a key destination park for youth with the extensive skate boarding and scootering spaces as well as the playground and natural features which can cater for a variety of ages.
A local youth focused organisation suggested Thomson Park as an ideal location for a full basketball court as it would provide additional recreational choices for youth at the park. Basketball as a sport and recreational activity is increasing in popularity with children and youth. There are several half courts within 2-4km proximity, however the closest full court is in South New Brighton Park.
The basketball court we have included is 24m long x 15m wide in size. This is a slightly reduced full basketball court.
Post and cable fencing
Additional fencing using posts and cables is proposed in order to separate areas of the park.
- Around the playground (with a gap in fencing so park users can enter the playground area).
- Around the car park.
New park entrance and signage relocation
Current entrance to Thomson Park
In order to create better visibility into the park and to protect the two large trees at the current entrance to the park, a new entrance is being proposed. This entrance is located 20 m or so further up Marine Parade towards Bowhill Road.
Removal of some low level planting and fencing along this area will also need to take place in order to install the new park entrance. This new entrance will also make it easier and safer for vehicles to move around the new car park.
When the entrance is moved all the park signage at the old location will also be moved and the previous entry will no longer be available.
New barrier arms
Two sets of security barrier arms are also included in the landscape plan. These arms will mean that the park can be locked at night, to prevent night time use of the park and car park.
Tree removals and new planting
Two pine trees in Thomson Park that require removal
The majority of trees currently in place at Thomson Park are in good condition and add landscape character to the park.
There are however, two trees located near the new basketball court and one tree within the new car park area that will require removal. These trees are in poor condition and for health and safety reasons it makes sense to remove them as part of this project.
Trees requiring removal:
- Two pine trees near the new basketball court. These trees are in poor condition and will provide better visibility into the park if they are removed.
- One macrocarpa tree within the new car park area. This tree is also in poor condition and needs to be removed for health and safety reasons.
Trees to be replanted:
Macrocarpa Tree that requires removal
- There are 15 trees proposed for replanting. Tree species will be chosen to compliment the existing planting in the park.
There will also be new low planting in places along the Marine Parade side of the park to improve the landscape character further.
Funding
Funding for this project is available across two financial years, so in the 2018/19 financial year we will be using the available funding to prioritise completing:
- Car park improvement works
- Drainage works
- Installation of the full basketball court
- Tree removals and some limb removal of existing trees.
In the following financial year 2019/20 funding will be used for (subject to the remaining funding):
- Further landscaping works ie. new planting or footpaths.
- Installation of any other park furniture ie. picnic tables
- Refurbishment and tidying up of the existing park furniture.
Future works
Subject to available future funding:
- Building a replacement toilet block closer to the playground, and removal of the old toilet block.
What happens next?
Once the consultation period has closed, the project team will analyse the feedback and produce a staff report which will go to the Coastal-Burwood Community Board who will then make the final decision.
At this stage we are anticipating that decision will be made by the Community Board at their September or October 2018 meeting.
All submitters will receive written updates on the project, including details of the staff recommendations and decision meeting and how to request to speak at the meeting if they wish to do so.
Timeline
Monday 6 August 2018 - consultation opens
Monday 13 August 2018 - drop in session
Monday 27 August 2018 - consultation closes
September/October 2018 - Coastal-Burwood Community Board decision meeting
Early February 2019 - Project start (subject to approval)
Come and talk to us
If you would like to know more about this project or you have some questions you would like to ask, please come and have a chat with the project team at the below drop in session.
Date: Monday 13 August 2018
Time: Drop in anytime between 4 pm and 6 pm
Location: New Brighton Library, 213 Marine Parade.