Van Dongen Park

Posted: 29/10/2025

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, permanent shade shelters with seating, landscaping, public art and perimeter fencing.

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.

Funding Partners

The Shire of Carnarvon acknowledges the generous support of our funding partners.

This project has been made possible through the Australian Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program (rPPP) and a Lotterywest grant of $1,807,424.

Progress to Date

Following community consultation, detailed design for Van Dongen Park Stage One was completed and endorsed by Council
The necessary geotechnical investigations to confirm the final footing design for the Banana structure has been completed.
The fabrication of the Banana play element has been completed
At the 28 April 2026 meeting, Council endorsed that the Tender for Van Dongen Park Stage One landscaping and construction works be awarded to First Class Constructions WA Pty Ltd.
Works for Stage One landscaping and construction commenced in July 2026 and are well underway.
A Request for Quote for Van Dongen Park Stage Two - Design, Construction and Installation of the toilet facility was awarded to Landmark Products Pty Ltd in mid-October 2026.
A Request for Quote for Van Dongen Park Stage Two - Design and Construction of the car parking was awarded to First Class Constructions WA Pty Ltd with works commencing in late September 2026.
The banana-inspired play equipment, shade structures, concreting and soft-fall has been installed.

What’s Next?

The finishing touches on the bespoke Banana play equipment, perimeter fencing, additional landscaping and carparking, installation of park furniture and the park's entry statement will be completed in the coming months.
The design, construction and installation of the toilet facility will commence in the coming months.