West Ulverstone has a wide range of parks and open spaces, including foreshore areas, river access, bushland, beaches and neighbourhood reserves.

Overall, the precinct is well provided for, with many parks already spread across the area. However, some parts of West Ulverstone have several parks close together, which means some spaces provide similar things.

At the same time, the area’s hills and road layout can make it harder for people to move easily between neighbourhoods. Because of this, the plan recommends keeping most local parks, even in areas where there are several nearby.

What is proposed

Council is proposing to:

• Keep key local parks and open spaces across West Ulverstone and replace ageing park furniture, including seats and tables, across the precinct
• Improve access and connections between neighbourhoods, parks, schools, community centres and the West Ulverstone shopping area
• Develop and implement a Shared Pathway Masterplan
• Complete Stage 2 of the Sensory Garden at Tobruk Park
• Add more all-abilities play equipment at Legion Park
• Establish a new playground at River Road Recreation Ground to support growing residential areas south of South Road and families using the ground
• Landscape Highfield Court Reserve to create a lower-maintenance open space
• Explore support for a community garden and outdoor learning hub at the former clay courts site
• Investigate community interest in helping manage the Zig Zag Track landscaping and maintenance

Picnic Point and West Beach

Council has identified Picnic Point playground as the only local playground that may no longer be needed in the long term. At the same time, community feedback showed strong support for keeping a playground at Picnic Point.

Because of this, no final decision has been made. Instead, Council proposes exploring whether the playground equipment could be moved to West Beach Reserve to consolidate playground facilities in one location.

Other important spaces

• West Beach Reserve and Tobruk Park will continue to serve as the main precinct-level open spaces for West Ulverstone.
• The Flora Street boat ramp will continue to support river access and has recently been upgraded.
• Markm Court Reserve and Off Hearps Road are proposed to remain as passive open space because they help with stormwater detention
• Amy Street and Clara Street area: while a number of parks are located close together, it is recommended they remain because easy local access to open space is still important.

What this means

These recommendations are intended to: