Van Dongen Park is set to become one of Carnarvon’s most exciting public spaces, transforming the town’s entryway into an inviting and vibrant community hub. A destination park focusing on iconic play equipment at an important Carnarvon gateway, the park is planned to include a play zone with bespoke equipment, shaded areas with seating, landscaping and public art.
This redevelopment is part of the Carnarvon Activation Plan (CAP), a strategic initiative designed to enhance key public spaces, improve connectivity, and boost local engagement. The CAP was developed in response to community feedback in 2022, which highlighted concerns about the town centre’s appeal, safety, and economic vitality. The Shire worked closely with UDLA and community stakeholders to identify priority projects that would make the biggest impact. Van Dongen Park emerged as a flagship project, securing significant investment to turn this vision into reality.
Community Consultation
Community input was central to the vision of individual elements within the Carnarvon Activation Plan. The Plan was shaped through a co-design process, where residents, businesses, and local groups provided feedback in two community workshops held in June and September 2023.
Key community priorities identified included:
- More shaded areas for relaxation and family gatherings.
- Functional public art and playground.
- Better safety measures, including improved lighting and accessibility.
- A stronger connection to Carnarvon’s identity, celebrating its Food Bowl through landscaping and public art.
The detailed designs, developed by H+H Architects, were then refined based on further stakeholder input.
Stage One
The redevelopment of Van Dongen Park (Stage One) has been made possible through a combination of Lotterywest funding and Shire co-investment. At the March 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting, the Shire received a $3.357 million grant from Lotterywest to deliver Phase One of the Carnarvon Activation Plan, of which included funding towards the Van Dongen Park (Stage One). An additional $554,650 in funding allocation by the Shire has helped to ensure that projects including Van Dongen Park (Stage One) can be delivered for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.
The fabrication of the Big Banana play element is nearing completion and necessary geotechnical investigations to confirm footing design for the structure have been completed. A Public Tender for construction of the park is currently advertised (closing 12 December), with the tender award anticipated for early 2026.
Stage Two
Funding has been obtained from the Australian Government's regional Precents and Partnership Program (rPPP) for the next stage of this project, to support further park improvements to ensure the park is an amenity-rich public open space for the community and visitors alike. The detailed design for Stage Two of the park's development is underway by H&H Architects. This stage may include elements such as lighting, vehicle parking, accessible toilet facilities and further landscaping. A Tender for construction for these additional works will follow in 2026.