FAQs

City of Darwin is seeking to design a new inclusive and accessible recreation space in the Waters Ward that will cater to the diverse needs of our community.

The staged and prioritised project will include a multigenerational regional playground and other recreational elements, such as lighting, pathways, car parking and public toilets.

The aim of the project is to create a space that brings people of all ages and abilities together, and to activate and transform the amenity of our suburbs.

A multigenerational recreation space is a space designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to seniors. These spaces often include equipment and activities that cater to a wide range of accessibility needs and interests, which ensures everyone can participate and benefit from the recreation space. 

Design elements may include accessible pathways, seating areas, diverse structures that challenge and engage different age groups, and features that promote physical, social and cognitive development.  

Waters Ward has a diverse population, with a particularly high percentage of both children and seniors. City of Darwin is working to create a more liveable, healthy and engaged community by providing a recreation space that people of all ages can use and engage in together.

There are three classifications of play spaces within Australian guidelines: regional, district and local. There is currently one district and one regional recreation space in Waters Ward, however other wards have up to three recreation spaces. The Waters Ward Multigenerational Recreation Space is classed as a regional space due to its size, amenities, accessibility, infrastructure and equipment allowing enjoyment for people of all ages and abilities. 

The new space will provide essential facilities, including BBQs, public toilets, picnic tables and seating, bike paths, shade areas and water bubblers. The proposed location is within a 15-20 minute drive for most Darwin locals and offers a unique experience for visitors of mixed age groups to enjoy together. These elements combined provide a place for all residents to come together and interact, making it a destination rather than just a play area.  

Engagement will occur with key groups and community members to provide insight and guidance into the diverse needs of all people. Accessibility in recreation spaces involves creating environments which are inclusive and easy to navigate for everyone. Accessible softfall surfaces will be used, along with pathways connecting all areas. Inclusive equipment will be integrated in the space to promote social interaction and participation among people of all abilities and mobility levels. 

Diverse play structures that challenge and engage different age groups will be included, along with features promoting physical, social and cognitive development ensuring that all who participate can engage. 

The area surrounding Malak Oval is the preferred location for the new multigenerational recreation space due to its central location within the Waters Ward. It has a proximity to other recreational and community facilities and public transport making it accessible to all community members. 

The area surrounding Malak Oval provides a great foundation for the new space and can become a central point for the surrounding schools, sporting organisations and all other community groups. This will encourage community engagement and create lasting connections. 

Mitigation measures will be considered during the planning process to ensure there are limited environmental impacts. City of Darwin is mindful to preserve and protect the flora and fauna around Malak Oval and will incorporate nature elements into the final recreation space design.

The first stage of this staged and prioritised project is to seek input from the community and stakeholders to understand the needs and aspirations for the space in the short, medium and long term. This input will guide the initial design of the space, which will be shared publicly in the first half of 2025. Construction of short-term works is expected to commence in the dry season of 2025.

Safety is a top priority in the planning and design of the new Multigenerational Recreation Space. Safety measures will be considered as part of the planning process and will be incorporated into the design.

You can provide feedback and ideas by completing our online survey, visiting us at a community display or contacting True North Strategic Communication on 08 8981 6445 or feedback@truenorthcomm.com.au.  

Your participation in the consultation process will help inform the final location selection and guide the design of the multigenerational recreation space. 

You can share your long-term vision for a recreation space in the Waters Ward; provide suggestions on the types of equipment and amenities available as part of a multigenerational playground; share your thoughts on Malak Oval as the location; and contribute ideas about how the recreation space can reflect the cultural values and needs of the community.

City of Darwin aims to create a space that community members are proud of, love and will enjoy using. If you have any suggestions on location, design or general comments, we encourage you to get in touch and let us know.

Equipment and facilities

Must have

• 6+ pieces of equipment 
• Water play 

May haves

• Exercise station 
• Multi-use court 
• Tennis hitting wall 
• Tennis courts 
• Skate/BMX/wheeled activity 

 Ancillary facilities

 Must have

• Constructed shade for play elements 
• Constructed shelter/rotunda 
• Constructed shade for exercise stations 
• Park seating 
• Picnic tables and seating 
• Public toilets – unisex 
• Changing places facility 
• Integrated pathways 
• Bike racks 
• BBQ facilities 
• Drinking taps 
• Rubbish bins 
• Lawn areas 
• Lighting for equipment 

May haves

• Constructed shade to courts 
• Fencing 
• Water misters

Other infrastructure

Must have

• Irrigation/drainage to surrounding lawn and landscaping 
• Security lighting 
• Signage/Way finding 
• Public art 
• Car parking within or adjacent to the site 

May haves

• Perimeter fencing 
• Wi-fi electronic charging stations or other digital innovation