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 has Stage One has been completed and endorsed by Council
- The necessary geotechnical investigations to confirm the final footing design for the Big Banana structure have been completed.
- The fabrication of the Big Banana play element has been completed
- At the 28 April 2026 meeting, Council endorsed that the recent Tender for Van Dongen Park Stage One landscaping and construction works be awarded to First Class Constructions WA Pty Ltd.
What’s Next?
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Works for Stage One landscaping and construction to commence in the coming months.
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The concept design for the next stage of the park's development is underway by H&H Architects. This stage may include elements such as lighting, parking, toilets, accessible play equipment, BBQs and further landscaping.
- Following completion of this design, community consultation will be undertaken to help inform the detailed design. Future funding opportunities will need to be explored in order to deliver this stage of the project.