Park Design Guidelines - City of Gold Coast · those places make with their community, their...

Safe, responsive and sustainable parks for our cityNovember 2018 – Version 2.0

Park Design Guideline

1Park Design Guideline 11

ContentsIntroduction 2

Purpose 3

How to use these guidelines 3

Part 1 – Principles 4

Part 2 – Guidelines 6

Part 3 – Park categories 14

Gold Coast Conservation Estate (Natural Areas) 15

Open space parks 18

Utility reserves 20

Sports parks 22

Non - standard park categories 24

Part 4 – Key design objectives 28

Equitable access 28

Crime prevention through environmental design 32

Maintenance 38

Responsive 52

Safety 56

Natural areas 58

Part 5 – Park data sheets 64

Part 6 – Reference documents 86

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City of Gold Coast (City) is committed to the provision of a safe, responsive and resilient public parks network for all residents and visitors to the city.

Parks provide an array of social, health, economic and environmental benefits to individuals and to the community as a whole. Parks are an essential ingredient for enhancing the liveability of a city and improving the quality of life for its residents.

There is significant local and international research regarding the wide ranging benefits of parks, these include:

Social benefits

• Connect and build strong communities by providing opportunities for local people to come together for a range of leisure, cultural and celebratory activities.

• Enhance opportunities for social cohesion and inclusion.

• Improve liveability in urban environments by offering a diverse range of recreation opportunities for the community.

Health benefits

• Encourages physical activity.

• Enhances physical and mental health.

• Helps reduce the risk of developing health issues.

• Assists in recovery from mental fatigue.

• Enhances children’s development and wellbeing.

Environmental benefits

• Protection of areas of conservation, biodiversity or cultural heritage value.

• Managing climate change impacts by:

• providing shade and cooling

• contributing to stormwater management

• contributing to urban heat abatement and

• reduction of air and noise pollution.

Economic benefits

• Parks add high amenity value to a city and are considered pre requisites for some business types, particularly creative and knowledge based industries. Maintaining parks in areas that business can access/or employees can access can therefore increase business investment and activity.

• People will often seek out areas of high amenity when determining their place of residence. Having parks within walking distance and/or having significant city recreational and/or sporting facilities in an area can contribute to higher population growth when compared to areas of lower amenity.

• Studies indicate that it was not uncommon for properties within an 800m radius of a park to have a value that is 3–5 per cent higher than properties further afield1.

As the population of the Gold Coast continues to grow, the need for public parks and pressure on the existing public parks network will increase.

The City is committed to ensure the design process for all parks recognises and promotes these benefits so that the community is provided with high quality, safe, responsive and sustainable public parks.

Introduction

1 Valuing Parks & Sports Facilities in the City of Gold Coast, Change Sustainable Solutions, 2015

3Park Design Guideline

Purpose

This document has been developed as a guide to the design of safe, responsive and sustainable public parks that will contribute to the existing network. This guideline has primarily been prepared to guide the design of public parks in conjunction with new residential, commercial, industrial or mixed use developments.

It is not the intent of these guidelines to negate the need for designers to consult other publications (including City publications) and use their professional knowledge and experience to ensure the community is provided with high quality, safe, responsive and sustainable parks.

How to use these guidelines

These guidelines are intended primarily for public park design, however the principles upon which the guidelines have been developed can be applied to all types of public open space.

The key elements of the guidelines are:

Part 1 – Design principles

This section details the key design principles for the successful creation of public parks and gives an outline of why they are important.

Part 2 – General design guidelines

Each design principle generates its own set of guidelines. Several of the principles will share common design guidelines.

It is important to note that the guidelines are general and flexible rather than definitive. They recognise that each setting, site and community will require an individual design response.

Part 3 – Park categories

Parks can be divided into a number of different classifications and categories depending on their function and use. This section outlines the broad classifications and categories that are used for parks within the city. A Statement of Intent for each park category is also given that explains the purpose and need for these types of parks.

Part 4 – Key design objectives

This section details key design objectives for the successful creation of public parks.

Part 5 – Park data sheets

While the general design guidelines will apply to all park categories, there are specific design guidelines that will be applicable to specific park categories. This section provides further detailed design information for the various types of parks, in the form of a park data sheet for each park category. Included in this park data sheet are specific design guidelines and permitted embellishments.

Part 6 – Reference documents

This section lists other City of Gold Coast publications and reference material that must be referred to when designing public parks for the city.

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PrinciplesThe following list of principles should not be read as individual elements, but rather as a group that when implemented all together will ensure that safe, responsive and sustainable outcomes are achieved.

Public parks and their embellishments should be located and designed to provide a safe and user friendly environment.

Why is this important?

People will not use spaces that they do not feel safe in. The level of comfort that a person feels when using a public space or park is directly related to the level of safety that they feel and perceive.

Public parks must be accessible and equitable for the entire community.


City of Gold Coast is committed to creating and maintaining equitable access throughout the city. This has been articulated in the City of Gold Coast Accessible and Inclusive City Action Plan 2014–2019 and the City of Gold Coast Equitable Access Policy.

To quote from this policy “Equitable access maximises civic participation in the community by identifying and removing barriers that prevent people from knowing about, using and/or participating in a service, facility, open space or decision making process provided by Council and others.”

Public parks must be cost effective.


Parks maintenance costs and whole of life cycle asset costs represent a significant part of the City’s budget. These costs are ultimately passed onto the community through the payment of rates.

Maintenance costs are a significant part of the City budget. To ensure effective use of the budget and resources, parks design should consider ongoing maintenance costs.

The City receives and installs a large number of park assets (embellishments) each year. The intention of this document is to ensure efficiency of the park estate. This can be achieved through appropriate material selection and suitable location of park assets, ensuring that the infrastructure is used as intended.


Public parks must be relevant to community needs and expectations.


Parks should reflect the natural environment and local community values and needs. Successful and enduring parks are those that remain relevant to people’s day-to-day lives. Such success is not only a function of the available recreational facilities but more importantly for people, the connections that those places make with their community, their environment and their history.

Public parks must be socially and environmentally sustainable.


City of Gold Coast is committed to progressing the concept of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) to ensure enhanced individual and community wellbeing, welfare, equity within and between generations, to ensure the protection of biological diversity and maintain essential ecological processes.

All public parks, as with all development, shall be designed and constructed using environmentally sustainable development (ESD) design principals.

Lifestyle flexibility must be catered for in the provision of public parks. Because the demographics of areas can change, parks must be designed to be flexible and adaptable.

Public parks must protect and enhance natural and heritage features and values.


Natural and heritage features and values need to be preserved and conserved to ensure that communities can access and enjoy them, and that they remain intact for future generations to enjoy. Such features can be of local, regional, or national importance. Parks must be planned and designed to ensure that there are no detrimental impacts on natural or heritage values.

Public parks must be innovative.


It is important that the design of public parks is innovative in its regard to form and function and response to existing environment and surrounds. An individual design response for parks rather than a generic design response is required for each setting, site and community.

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Guidelines

Definitions

Accessible – Features intended to facilitate access for everyone.

Accessible path of travel – An uninterrupted, barrier-free, path of travel to, into or within a building and connecting key facilities places and spaces.

DDA – Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth) (DDA).

Equitable access – Individuals have fair and socially just access to services, information, facilities, places and opportunities to engage in civic life free from discrimination. It requires the identification and removal of barriers that prevent equitable access.


Principle

Public parks must be accessible and equitable for the entire community.

General design guidelines Why is this important?

Create multiple access/egress points along the park perimeter. This allows for people to have choice in access and egress and allows for more flexibility in paths of travel.

Signage is to be located at the front of the park to ensure improved visibility.

Clearly identifies the park for visitors from outside the immediate environs.

Provide a hard surfaced pathway that traverses the park and links into embellishments such as shelters, seats, barbeques, playgrounds etc.

This allows unassisted equitable access by all people.

This promotes walkable neighbourhoods and enhances pedestrian and cycle path networks.

Include access provisions consistent with the intent of the DDA and relevant Commonwealth Disability Standards in all specifications for the design of public park amenities and facilities.

This allows unassisted equitable access by all people.

Ensure DDA compliant paths of travel are provided. If an accessible path of travel does not exist or cannot be constructed, then the utilisation of a park by all the community can be negatively impacted upon.

Ensure public parks are compliant with the outcomes and actions of the City of Gold Coast Everyone’s Included Accessible and Inclusive City Action Plan 2014-2019

The title of this plan is ‘Everyone’s Included’ and this is the goal in creating a city that is genuinely accessible and inclusive for all. Equitable access to public parks is part of this goal.

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Principle

Public parks and their embellishments should be located and designed to provide a safe and user friendly environment.


Create multiple access/egress points along the park perimeter. This allows for people to have multiple escape routes if placed in a position of danger.

Create designated maintenance vehicle access to the park. Helps to minimise vehicle pedestrian conflict.

Designate a main entry point into the park. This provides legibility to the park and can assist people with mobility disabilities.

Locate signage at the frontages of the park for good visibility. Clearly identifies the park for visitors from outside the immediate environs.

Locate bollards, barriers, perimeter trees and/or fencing to prevent unauthorised vehicular access into the park.

Prevents vandalism of parks by vehicles.

Provide a hard surfaced pathway that traverses the park and links into embellishments such as shelters, seats, barbeques, playgrounds etc.

This allows unassisted equitable access by all people into the park and to the embellishments within the park.

This promotes walkable neighbourhoods and enhances pedestrian and cycle path networks.

Maintain clear sight lines across passive and active use areas. Increases the capacity for passive and active surveillance.

Maintain clear sight lines to potential hazards such as water bodies, open drains, car parks and roads.

Assists in reducing the potential risk of harm that may be caused by natural and built infrastructure within parks.

Use low shrubs (500mm) and groundcover planting that do not interrupt sight lines or create possible ‘hiding’ spots. Mature trees to have clear trunks for a minimum height of 2.8m to align with CPTED guidelines

Makes users feel more comfortable as they have good sight lines through the space and the potential for ‘hiding’ is significantly reduced.

Utilise existing trees or plant new trees to create shade to passive and active activity areas.

This will increase comfort levels for users.

Plan and design parks to avoid user conflicts. This will increase enjoyment and safety for users. For example bike parking areas should not be placed too close to pathways as they can cause potential obstructions when people park and move their bikes.

Design parks in accordance with CPTED principles. Refer to ‘Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, Guidelines for Queensland’, Queensland Government 2007.

Increases peoples comfort levels as they will feel safer and will be safer.

Locate safety cameras in high profile sites. This will increase the public safety and surveillance in high profile areas and locations.


Principle

Public parks must be cost effective.


Plan and design parks so that cost effective maintenance programs can be established.

Maintenance costs are a significant part of the City’s budget. Poorly designed parks can become a liability to maintenance budgets, that ultimately result in redesign of the park.

Plan and design parks and facilities for energy and water conservation, optimised lifecycle and selection of materials with low embodied energy.

To ensure effective use of the City’s budget resources, design should consider ongoing maintenance costs and it’s commitment to sustainability

Select materials and furniture items that are easily maintained, cleaned and replaced if damaged.

This is important to ensure the long term design intent of the park can be maintained and afforded. Materials and furniture items that are difficult to maintain and difficult or costly to replace may have to be replaced with alternative materials and furniture items in the future. This can then be detrimental to the intended character of the park.

Plan and design embellishments within parks so that they can be easily and safely maintained.

Careful design and planning of the more significant and expensive embellishments that are required in certain categories of parks can ensure sustainable ongoing maintenance costs and achieve long lifecycles.

Do not over design or over embellish parks. Parks should not contain an excessive amount of embellishments that results in an inefficient maintenance cost to the community. Less is often more with regards to parks and often simple features such as paths, trees, grass and seats are those that have the widest appeal.

Embellishments should be appropriate to the type of park, and to the intended catchment of users. For example, it is not desirable for a local park to have public toilets provided however such facilities are more desirable at district and city parks.

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Principle

Public parks must be relevant to community needs and expectations.


Design parks to be embellished to an appropriate standard. Parks should not contain an excessive amount of embellishments that results in an inefficient maintenance cost to the community. Less is more with regards to parks and simple features such as paths, trees, grass and seats are those that have the widest appeal. Embellishments should be appropriate to the type of park, and to the intended catchment of users. For example it is not desirable for a local park to have public toilets provided however, is desirable at district and city parks.

Plan and design parks so that it does not adversely impact natural, cultural or heritage features and values.

Where parks are designed to encourage visitors to natural or heritage features it is important that the natural, cultural or heritage features will not be adversely impacted upon or damaged, thus destroying all or some of the ‘reason for being’ at the park.

Plan and design parks so that the incorporation of natural, cultural and heritage features does not present a hazard to visitors.

Public safety and wellbeing is of paramount importance for public parks. The incorporation of natural, cultural and heritage features within a park (e.g. historic artefacts displayed along a path way) must be done in a way that both preserves the feature as well as making it accessible and safe to view.

Create spaces that are multifunctional and flexible and facilitate and provide opportunities for social interaction.

Parks can be important meeting and gathering places for communities. Well planned spaces promoteopportunities to interact socially and can contribute to and encourage healthy communities.

The demographics of areas can change. Parks need to be flexible so that they can cater or adapt for changing communities and social needs.

Utilise existing trees or plant new trees to create shade to passive and active type areas.

This will increase comfort levels for users.

Plan and design parks in accordance with CPTED principles. Refer to ‘Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, Guidelines for Queensland’, Queensland Government 2007

Increases peoples comfort levels as they will feel safer and will be safer.

Ensure that sports based facilities also provide for passive recreation opportunities.

This will create better and wider use of the parks.

Plan and design parks to avoid user conflicts. This will increase enjoyment and safety for users. For example bike parking areas should not be placed too close to pathways as they can cause potential obstructions when people park and move their bikes.


Principle

Public parks must be socially and environmentally sustainable.


Plan and design parks and facilities for energy and water conservation, optimised lifecycle and selection of materials with low embodied energy.

This is important to save costs to the City and to demonstrate to the community a commitment to sustainability that can provide learnings to the community.

Incorporate Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) into the design of parks.

Water is a valuable resource that has a financial cost to the City and the community. The design of parks must minimise water usage, and where possible and feasible harvest water for reuse within the park.

Create spaces that are multifunctional and flexible and facilitate and provide opportunities for social interaction.

Parks can be important meeting and gathering places for communities. Well planned spaces promote opportunities to interact socially and can contribute to and encourage healthy communities.

The demographics of areas can change. Parks needs to be flexible so that they can cater or adapt for changing communities and social needs.

Use materials and designs that are local and particular to the place wherever practical.

This can help create a character or ‘sense of place’ that can be recognised and appreciated by the community.

Ensure that sports based facilities also provide for passive recreation opportunities.

This will create better and wider use of the parks.


Where existing natural or heritage features form a prominent element in the park design, those features must not be adversely impacted upon or be damaged, thus destroying all or some of the ‘reason for being’ of the park.

Provide opportunities, where feasible, for the environmental and cultural values of the place to be interpreted and used as an educational resource.

Interpretation of natural systems provides an educational tool for promoting environmental awareness.

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Principle

Public parks must protect and enhance natural, cultural and heritage features and values.



Where existing natural or heritage features form a prominent element in the park design, those features must not be adversely impacted upon or be damaged, thus destroying all or some of the ‘reason for being’ at the park.

Plan and design parks so that the incorporation of natural, cultural and heritage features does not present a hazard to visitors.

Public safety and wellbeing is of paramount importance for parks. The incorporation of natural, cultural and heritage features within a park (e.g. historic artefacts displayed along a path way, natural geological feature within space) must be done in a way that both preserves the feature as well as making it accessible and safe to view.

Plan and design parks so that where feasible, the environmental values of the place can be interpreted and used as an educational resource.

This will assist the community in becoming aware of natural systems and environmental values and also act as another activator of the park.

Use innovative design and detailing to enhance and protect natural, cultural and heritage features and values.

This will contribute to the public’s enjoyment of parks and to the character of the park.


Principle

Public parks must be innovative.


Where possible, locate parks adjacent to activity generators. By locating parks adjacent to activity generators, synergies can be created that will increase the use of the park and the adjacent activity generator.

Examples of this are:

• parks located adjacent to public libraries which can create opportunities for outside reading, learning and other activities.

• sports parks located adjacent to schools which can create opportunities for cost sharing and better park utilisation.

Design and plan parks to allow for temporary events. This increases the City’s capacity to offer and hold outdoor events of all types and sizes, and increases the revenue opportunities that are possible for ‘pay to attend’ events.

Use innovative design and detailing to enhance and protect natural, cultural and heritage features and values.

This will contribute to the public’s enjoyment of public parks and to the character of the park.

Incorporate existing natural features into play spaces where appropriate and safe to do so.

Play spaces are constantly evolving and improving, however often the most successful play spaces are those that link into natural features.

Investigate the local history and stories of the area and if appropriate incorporate into the planning and design of the park.

Parks with local character and stories incorporated into the design will foster community interest and ownership much more than ‘generic designs’.

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Park categoriesParks within the city comprise many individual areas differing in size and form that make up the public parks network.

Within the Gold Coast, parks are divided into four broad classifications that are:

• Gold Coast conservation estate (Natural Areas)

• Open space parks

• Utility reserves and

• Sports parks.

Within each of these classifications there are a number of categories. For the creation of new parks, or the embellishment of existing parks, the classification and category of the park should be determined. This should be confirmed by the City’s Parks and Recreational Services Branch.

City of Gold Coast park classifications

Figure 1: Park classifications

Conservation estate (Natural Areas)

Open space parks Utility reserves Sports parks

Conservation area Local recreation park Utility reserve

Environmental reserve District recreation park Drainage reserve

District sports park

Bushland reserve City recreation park Natural drainage reserve

City sports park

General reserve Open space linkage

Amenity space

Water body

Access linkage

Specialised sports park

Major sporting facility

Civic park


Gold Coast Conservation Estate (Natural Areas)Natural Areas are defined by the City as ‘areas of land, predominantly with native vegetation cover, managed principally for nature conservation purposes’. The Gold Coast Conservation Estate is broken down into four categories.

• Conservation area

• Environmental reserve

• Bushland reserve

• General reserve.

Conservation areas

City of Gold Coast defines a conservation area as a parcel of land with high ecological value, containing a high percentage of remnant vegetation and/or rare or threatened or locally significant species.

These areas may vary from large sites with a high diversity of vegetation communities and extensive connectivity to smaller isolated sites, which, although fragmented, provide habitat for significant plants, animals or vegetation communities or protect an intact section of riparian habitat.

Although these sites are of high ecological value, they may contain some cleared or degraded areas requiring rehabilitation.

Conservation areas in most cases must not be designed to encourage public access. These areas shall be for the sole purpose of protecting and enhancing the ecological value of the site. If public access is required through Conservation Areas the access shall ensure that the site’s ecological values are protected and access shall be restricted to low impact trails. Refer to the City of Gold Coast – Recreation Trail Design Guideline.

General rules:

• The primary purpose is conservation.

• Any park which is an Open Space Preservation Levy (OSPL) acquisition.

• Size: The park is typically greater than 5ha and has a high ecological value as determined by the NAMU classification system (e.g. zonation score >0.66).

• The park may be located within a:

• critical corridor; or

• substantial remnant; or

• coastal wetlands; or

• core habitat system or hinterland core habitat system.

• Any park dedicated through the development assessment process that has been termed ‘conservation’ in the land transfer condition of a development approval and is also high scoring and selected by the City’s Natural Areas Management Unit classification system (e.g. zonation score >0.6 for parks greater than 5ha).

• Park may have some cleared or degraded areas requiring rehabilitation, but the majority is remnant vegetation.

• May extend into State unallocated waterways and unformed road reserves.

• Use: preserve conservation values, given the high biodiversity value some uses such as appropriate commercial activities and nature-based recreation may not be sustainable in some areas of the parks or in the entire park where the ecological values are sensitive to disturbance. Conservation areas may currently or have the potential to support appropriate recreational uses, such as outdoor recreation or nature-based activities like bushwalking, bird-watching and low impact eco-tourism.

• PIP/LGIP Use: Non trunk infrastructure

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Environmental reserve

General rules:


• Any park with high ecological values as determined by the NAMU classification:

• for parks greater than 5ha the zonation score is between 0.33 and 0.66

• for parks less than 5ha the zonation score is greater than 0.8

• May or may not be connected to other park sub types.






• Any park dedicated through the development assessment process that has been termed “conservation” in the land transfer condition of a development approval and is also high scoring and selected by the City’s Natural Areas Management Unit classification system (e.g. zonation score >0.8 for parks less than 5ha).

• Size: Will vary.

• Any land identified as possessing offset potential and that adjoins a reserve classified as Conservation Area.

• Use: preserve conservation values, given the high biodiversity values nature-based recreation and appropriate commercial activities may not be sustainable. Environmental reserves may currently or have the potential to support appropriate recreational uses, such as outdoor recreation or nature-based activities like bushwalking and bird-watching.

• PIP/LGIP Use: Non trunk infrastructure.

Bushland reserve

City of Gold Coast defines Bushland Reserves as bushland areas of generally lower ecological value than Conservation Areas. Rare, threatened or locally significant species are absent and there is little or no viable connectivity with adjacent habitat.

Vegetation in bushland reserves is mostly regrowth, although occasional mature trees or small fragments of ‘not of concern’ remnant vegetation may be present. Despite their lesser ecological value, bushland reserves have an important function in providing habitat for common native species and providing green open spaces within the city.

Depending on the outcome of the assessment of reports and management plans, bushland reserves in the future, may be rehabilitated into more ecologically viable conservation areas or utilised for limited recreation activities as outdoor recreation parks.

General rules:


• Has vegetation of value or serves important ecosystem services.

• Has the potential to be restored and costs are not prohibitive.






• Includes parks with mid-range ecological values as determined by the City’s Natural Areas Management Unit classification system.

• May or may not be connected to conservation areas or environmental reserves.

• If not connected it should have obvious and high restoration potential.

• Size: Will vary.

• Use:

• May be used to preserve natural waterways (such as buffers along creeks).

• May be suitable for nature based recreation and appropriate commercial activity.

• May be used (where appropriate) for more intensive nature-based recreation pursuits such as horse riding and mountain biking.



General reserve

General rules:

• Primary purpose is to support nature conservation but also may provide open space and support nature-based recreation.

• Potentially any park with low ecological value as determined by the City’s Natural Areas Management Unit classification system.

• Is not connected to any other conservation estate park type but may be connected to open space park sub types or community facilities.

• Has potential for revegetation (for example ex grazing/ pasture land) and may be useful for future planting from offsetting, creating buffers to waterways or increasing the urban forest cover etc. However, restoration works are likely to be cost prohibitive.

• Does not make a significant contribution to a:





• Size: May vary.

• Use: If the park were to be improved, it could be used for either conservation or recreation (nature-based, passive or active) depending on the nature of the improvements and whether these provide an overall benefit to the community in the future. General Reserves may currently or have the potential to support recreational uses and nature-based activities like bushwalking and bird-watching or (where appropriate) more intensive nature based recreation pursuits such as horse riding and mountain biking.


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Open space parksCity of Gold Coast defines recreation parks as open space areas that positively contribute to the Recreation Facilities Network as defined in the Gold Coast City Plan (City Plan). Within the classification of Recreation Parks are seven categories:

• Local parks

• District parks

• City parks

• Open space linkage

• Amenity space

• Water body

• Civic park.

Local parks

Local parks generally serve the needs of the immediate neighbourhood (within 400m or 5 minutes walk) by providing limited recreational opportunities, and catering for short visits only. Most local parks will be used for informal social activities and informal sporting activities. Typical facilities include shaded seating areas, open space areas for ‘kick and play’ and shaded pathway connectivity throughout the park. Local parks will generally not have carpark facilities.

General rules:

• Car parking, toilets, barbeques and playground facilities are more suited to a district or city park.

• May form part of a larger park, (for example, district sports park).

• Size: generally smaller than district or city recreation parks and with fewer embellishments.

• Use: Short visits only, recreation purposes.

• PIP/LGIP Use: Trunk infrastructure.

District parks

District parks are intended to serve several neighbourhoods and visitors to the city. They should be suitable for a wider variety of informal recreational uses than local parks and suitable for a more comprehensive range of recreational and community facilities. In some cases it will be possible to integrate informal recreational opportunities with other forms of recreation such as active sport where the area is of sufficient size.

General rules:

• Will service several neighbourhoods.

• Fairly well known around the area.

• Variety of recreation types (i.e. playground, dog off leash area, barbecues and tables, ‘kick and play’ open space, etc.).

• Can accommodate larger groups for longer periods of time.

• May have toilets.

• High amenity value.

• Size: Generally larger than local recreation parks but usually smaller than city recreation parks.

• Use: Recreation purposes only – no organised sporting facilities and attracts people to visit for longer periods of time.

• PIP/LGIP Use: Trunk infrastructure.

City parks

City parks are intended to provide for the recreation needs of the local residents, wider city residents and visitors/tourists. They shall be designed to draw patrons from across city, state and if possible the country. They shall include all the intrinsic qualities and design elements of local parks and district parks but shall be planned on a grander scale. Parks shall be designed to attract patrons from across the city by offering recreation facilities to accommodate the widest demographic possible.

General rules:

• Facilities enable long periods of time to be spent at these parks: i.e. toilets, ‘kick and play’, open space, barbecues, multiple shelters, water bubblers and taps etc.

• Can host organised events.

• A major destination in the city.

• Size: May be equal to or larger than the size of a district recreation park.

• Use: Primarily recreational uses, but no organised sport (e.g. Southport Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Cascade Gardens, MacIntosh Island, Village H).

• LGIP Use: Trunk infrastructure.


Open space linkage

The primary purpose for open space linkages is to physically, visually and cognitively connect recreation facilities, community infrastructure, commercial centres, active transport routes and public transport nodes. Open space linkages are an essential component of active transport routes and provide opportunities for cycleways and walkways. Open space linkages can also be implemented when the desired shape of the recreation facility is unachievable due to site constraints such as adjacent coastline or water bodies or environmental reserves.

General rules:

• Flexible and multifunctional spaces that may include high levels of site hardening

• Connects recreation facilities as part of the parks network.

• Provides pedestrian or cycle access between road networks and other land uses.

• Not intended for utility purposes, intended for recreation or open space provision.

• Size: Generally will be linear in shape, and is smaller than a city or district recreation park.

• Use: Must connect recreation parks or other land uses, or can be for a recreation or for providing a circuit.

• LGIP Use: Non trunk infrastructure.

Amenity space

General rules:

• Space landscaped for amenity purposes, including landscape buffers, fountains or memorials, but not stormwater treatment.

• Size: Typically of small to medium size. Will generally be linear and narrow.

• LGIP Use: Not trunk infrastructure.

Water body

In terms of open space parks, the City defines a waterbody as a property parcel or part there of that is covered by a permanent body of water such as a canal, lake or water feature.

General rules:

• Includes permanent water bodies that have a primary purpose of amenity value.

• Not part of a SQID (Stormwater Quality Improvement Device).

• May or may not be created solely for amenity purposes.

• Is a permanent body of water (e.g. does not drain, nor is ephemeral).

• Can be a canal or lake.

• Size: Not so small that it would be considered a SQID, or a pond (e.g. Coomera Springs, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens)

• Use: Can be used for recreation purposes, (for example, the waterbody at Damian Leeding Memorial Park).


Civic park

Civic parks are generally urban open space within medium to high density areas. They enable passive recreation with shaded spaces for social interaction and visual amenity and are centrally located to maximise accessibility.

General rules:

• Flexible and mutifunctional spaces that may include high levels of site hardening

• Physical and visual connectivity

• High amenity value

• Size: Typically small to medium in size

• Use: Recreational and social activity, high amenity

• LGIP Use: Not trunk infrastructure

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Utility reservesUtility reserves are defined by the City as parcels of land that are not recognised as providing any formalised terrestrial recreation function. These parcels of land may informally contribute to the city’s parks network and although not recognised as contributing any recreational function these areas may be developed in the future when the current use is discontinued or to meet community needs.

Within the classification of Utility Reserves are four categories.

• Utility reserve

• Drainage reserve

• Natural drainage reserve

• Access linkage

Utility reserve

In terms of open space parks, the City defines a utility reserve as land for utility infrastructure such as electricity transmission, telecommunications, water and sewerage. Statutory Authority and City regulations apply to these types of open space.

General rules:

• The primary purpose or reason for this land is utilitarian relating to service provision, e.g. high voltage power lines.

• Any space providing infrastructure related facilities (e.g. transformers, pump stations, telecommunications, and waterways/sewerage).

• Will generally have easements over the relevant utility portion of land.

• May have footpath connections or other recreational embellishments but are encumbered due to the presence of the Utility(ies).



Drainage reserve

In terms of open space parks, the City defines a waterway/drainage reserve as land associated with waterways, creeks, drainage lines and stormwater infrastructure. In most examples, these types of parks must be designed to be maintained as a natural area. Land associated with buffers to existing drainage lines must be rehabilitated or restored to reflect the pre-disturbed vegetation type as mapped by the City or the Queensland Government or as defined by ecological reports that have been accepted by the City.

General rules:

• Land that provides part of the stormwater network.

• Can fluctuate between inundation and non-inundation.

• Primary purpose is water flow and drainage.

• Applies to Reserves which are more man made and engineered, than natural.

• May be vegetated on occasion, particularly if developed in more recent times.

• SQIDs within open space are to be labelled drainage reserve.

• Size: N/A

• Use: Over-land drainage and water flow, WSUD.

• Areas that primarily exist for vegetation retention or restoration are not drainage reserves and need to be classified under the conservation estate or as natural drainage reserve.

• May have footpath connections or other recreational embellishments but the development or potential of the park for recreational use is encumbered due to the presence of the drainage, the stormwater device or to the wetness of the area.


Natural drainage reserve

• Primary purpose is natural drainage (that is, no or limited hardening or armouring of natural watercourses or flow paths) and may buffer waterways which serve to support water quality.

• These parks may contain inactivated recreational connections and may also provide some local scale wildlife corridor values and urban/suburban amenity.

• Park may be vegetated and may contain remnant vegetation and thus provide important urban amenity.

• Some areas within the park may be highly degraded, requiring high levels of intervention to restore, or high levels of ongoing maintenance.

• Any park with a low ecological value as determined by the City’s Natural Areas Management Unit classification system (e.g. zonation score <0.1).

• Typically, limited connectivity to other conservation estate but may be connected to other park and sub-park types, e.g. specialised sports park.

• Does not make a measurable contribution to a:





• Size: May vary, but typically less than 2 hectares.

• Use: If the park were to be improved, it could be used as either conservation or recreation (nature-based, passive or active) depending on the style of the improvements and whether these would provide an overall benefit to the community in the future.

• May have footpath connections or other recreational embellishments but the park is encumbered due to the presence of the drainage, the stormwater device or to the wetness of the area.

• These parks are not intended to be further degraded or encumbered by additional services or utilities by their inclusion within the Utility Reserve Park Type.

Access linkage

• May provide minor local linkages for pedestrian connectivity or recreation

• Primary purpose is overland flow or service and utility easements etc.

• Primary intent of land was not for open space linkage.

• Generally of small size and narrow width.


22

Sports parksThe City defines sports parks as open space areas that primarily cater for a variety of formal sporting activities through the provision of infrastructure that promotes a range of competitive and training sporting opportunities.

Sports parks must positively contribute to the Recreation Facilities Network as defined in the City Plan, LGIP Part 4.4.5 Recreation Facilities Network Desired Standard of Service or 4.12 Recreation Facilities Network.

Within the classification of Sport Parks there are four categories.

• District sport park

• City sport park

• Specialised sport park

• Major sporting facility.

District sports park

District sport parks shall be used primarily for organised sporting activities, although the area may include areas for informal recreation outside the bounds of the designated playing fields.

The topographical placement of the district sporting parkland shall be suited to the development of ovals, playing fields, tennis courts, netball courts etc. The design of the area shall be able to incorporate future additional facilities including, but not limited to car parks, amenity blocks, clubrooms, spectator facilities, sports lighting and storage areas.

General rules:

• Parks dedicated for sport with multiple facilities but also may include other recreational areas

• Caters for only 1 or 2 sport types with 2 or more playing surfaces

• To include toilets and clubhouse

• Has the ability to provide for multiple uses

• Size: Usually smaller than city sports parks

• Use: Organised sporting on City assets



City sports park

City sport parks shall be used primarily for organised sporting activities, although the area shall be physically linked to other areas for informal recreation outside the bounds of the designated playing fields.

In some cases it will be possible to integrate informal recreational opportunities with other forms of recreation such as active sport where the area is of sufficient size.

The topographical placement of the City sports parks shall be suited to the development of ovals, playing fields, tennis courts, netball courts etc. City sport parks shall represent a sporting recreation facility that is utilised by local clubs and city wide sporting organisations.

The design of the area shall be able to incorporate future additional facilities including, but not limited to car parks, amenity blocks, clubrooms, spectator facilities, sports lighting and storage areas.

General rules:

• Parks dedicated for sport with multiple facilities but also may include other recreational areas.

• Includes multiple clubs and organisations.

• Fields have lighting, toilets, canteens and grandstands / sport viewing facilities.

• Includes facilities ancillary to, or required to facilitate the intended sport use (i.e. storage shed, seating areas, car park etc.)

• Size: May be equal to or larger than the size of a District Sports Park.

• Use: Multiple types of organised sporting events.


Specialised sports park

Specialised sport parks provide for sporting activities where the nature of the activity and subsequent land and facility requirements result in provision on a regional basis. Specialised sporting activities include motocross/ motorcycling, state level equestrian, golf, shooting, car racing, model aeroplanes, lawn bowls, field archery/bow hunting and cycling (velodrome).

Unlike most other sporting parks within City of Gold Coast, specialised sports parks provide for sporting activities where the nature of the activity precludes free, unrestricted access to members of the public.

General rules:

• Sports within this category are specialised, such as cycling (velodrome), tennis courts, bowls and the like. Generally, only the sport the facility provides for could be played upon the facilities.

• The activity provided can be a regional type activity (i.e. the catchment is larger than district or citywide for activities such as cycling or archery).

• Activity precludes free, unrestricted access to the public.

• Size: N/A.

• Use: Sporting activities which are not catered for within City and District Sports Parks.



• These facilities are not owned by the City.

• Size: N/A.

• Use: Major organised sporting activities.

• LGIP Use: Not applicable.

• Examples: Metricon Stadium, Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre

Park type summary

Gold Coast conservation estate

Open space parks Utility reserves Sports parks

Conservation area Local recreation park Utility reserve District sports park

Environmental reserve District recreation park Drainage reserve City sports park

Bushland reserve City recreation park Natural drainage reserve Specialised sports park

General reserve Open space linkage Access linkage Major sporting facility

Comment: Not City owned, e.g. Skilled Park

Amenity space

Waterbody

Civic park

Table 2: Park type summary

24

Non-standard park categoriesComposite park

A Composite park is defined as a number of individual parks and linkages that attract a similar amount of use as one large park. The individual park spaces each contribute to provide a combination of useable spaces for recreational activities typically promoted in District parks.

Generally composite parks provide linkage access from local areas to points of interest such as schools, parks and natural environmental areas. These linkages are accessible with pathway connections and are generally of high visual amenity. Within these linkages, one park within the composite park group may be larger in size, and therefore promote a number of uses with embellishments such as playgrounds, barbeques, picnic nodes, shelters, ‘kick a ball’ space, room for large gatherings and public toilet facilities.

General rules:

• A number of small individual parks and linkages promoting use similar to a District park

• Will service several neighbourhoods

• Can accommodate dispersed larger groups for longer periods of time

• Variety of uses (i.e. playground, barbeques, shelters / picnic nodes, ‘kick and play’ open space, etc.)

• May have toilets

• High amenity value

• Size: Generally a number of small individual parks, linkages contributing to a size similar to a district park.

• Use: Recreation purposes only – attracts people to visit for longer periods of time.

• LGIP Use: Trunk infrastructure

• Example: Damian Leeding Memorial Park


Damian Leeding Memorial Park is located adjacent to the Coomera River and has features similar to a Composite park. Damian Leeding Memorial Park is situated around a water body (not always necessary) providing an accessible pathway network around the perimeter. The path network leads back to a larger

park area where a playground, barbeque, shelters and picnic nodes are located. It also consists of smaller parks, linkages and amenity spaces which make up the total area size resulting in greater use and therefore being classified as a district / city park.

Figure 2. Damian Leeding Memorial Park, Coomera

Figure 3. Lake Orr and Varsity Foreshore Parklands

Lake Orr and Varsity Foreshore Parklands can be viewed in a similar way. A number of smaller individual connecting parks and linkages are contributing to a composite park that is being used

by the public in a similar way to Damian Leeding Memorial Park. Varsity Foreshore Parklands would be similar to the larger park area where embellishments would be located.

Large park

Large park

26

Figure 4. Varsity College School Oval

Shared use parks

A shared use park is a park being used for informal sporting and recreational activities being; for school children/sports (within school hours), before and after school activities and informal recreation use. Generally there are two definitive types, being:

• Education Queensland use of City land

• City use of Education Queensland land.

The agreements that create these types of shared use parks are negotiated early and signed off by each stakeholder. All agreements should outline shared funding sources for ongoing maintenance costs as well as park asset renewal.

Early negotiations can also outline the conditions of use whereby schools have access between school hours and the local community can have access before and after school, weekends and school holidays. The increased activity provides active surveillance for schools and parks.

General rules:

• Can be used by Education Queensland for use between school operating hours

• Can be used by the community before and after school as well as school holidays for informal recreation

• Will service several neighbourhoods

• May have ‘kick and play’ open space, playground, barbeques, shelters.

• Size: N/A

• LGIP Use: N/A

• Example: Education Queensland school use of Varsity Central Park and City of Gold Coast Active & Healthy use at Gilston State School, Worongary State School, Merrimac State School etc.

27Park Design Guideline – August 2018

28

Figure 2: Non ambulant space requirements

Key design objectives

Equitable accessThe creation of equitable access will create public park environments that are usable by all the community, including people with vision and hearing impairments; families with prams and young children; people with injuries; the elderly; and people with mobility impairments.

Equitable access will create synergies that contribute to overall use, function, enjoyment and safety of public environments.

Equitable access must be implemented for continuous paths of travel or journeys to the park as well as within the park.

Reference documents

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992

• Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010

• Building Code of Australia

• Universal Design Principles

• AS 1428 Design for Access and Mobility Set

• Everyone’s Included, Accessible and Inclusive City Action Plan 2014-2019, Version 1 June 2014, City of Gold Coast

a) A clear width of 1000mm is adequate for people with ambulant disabilities, just allows passage for 80 per cent of people who use wheelchairs, and is in accordance with AS 1428.1

b) People who use wheelchairs require a clear width of 1200mm.

c) A clear width of 1500mm allows a wheelchair and a pram to pass.

d) To allow two wheelchairs to pass comfortably, a clear width of 1800mm is required.


Figure 3: Picnic node designed for access

Example of a picnic node designed for equitable access. The node is linked into a continuous path of travel. Shelters, barbecue, drinking fountain and bins are accessible by all. Generous circulation space is provided linking all embellishments (trees and soft landscaping omitted for clarity).

30

Equitable access – desirable outcomes

• Good connectivity to street and footpath network.

• Wide internal pathways allowing for multiple users and wheelchair users to easily pass each other.

• Seats connected into paths with adjacent hard surface for prams and wheel chairs.

• Shelters, barbeques, drinking fountains connected into path network allowing access.

• Wheelchair accessible picnic tables provided beneath shelters.

• Accessible toilets linked into pathway.

• Exercise equipment linked into pathway.

• Clear trunked trees located along path that will provide shade to path and maintain view lines.


Equitable access – undesirable outcomes

• Poor connectivity to street and no continuous path of travel along streets to park.

• No internal pathways within park to facilitate access for everybody.

• Seats located in grassed area with access only available across grassed area.

• Shelter located in grassed area with access only available across grassed area.

• Exercise equipment located in grassed area with access only available across grassed area.

• Play equipment with little to no shade most of the day.

32

Crime prevention through environmental designBy nature most people avoid places that they do not feel safe in. Parks must be designed to reduce the opportunities for criminal and/or anti-social behaviour and to create public spaces that people feel comfortable in without fear for their wellbeing. An established body of knowledge and research has been created in this field which has been given the acronym CPTED – Crime prevention through environmental design.

There are three main concepts2 behind the theory of CPTED. These are:

• crimes against people and property are less likely to occur if other people are around

• important that people in adjoining buildings and spaces are able to see what is happening

• important to give people safe choices about where to be and how to anticipate and respond to problems.

All designers must be conversant with CPTED principles and apply them to the design of parks.

Key principles to be applied in the development of public parks are as follows:

Promotion of passive surveillance

Parks must be integrated and designed in a way that promotes the visibility of users and avoids the creation of vulnerable settings.

One method of achieving passive surveillance is by locating parks along road frontages and residential boundaries. This is particularly applicable to the category Open space parks – local parks.

Visibility in public spaces and along routes

Public spaces, pedestrian and bicycle paths should be designed to provide:

• Good visibility of spaces or routes by all users

• The user of the space is visible by others through natural or other surveillance

• Maximum street frontage with clear sightlines along other edges.

Opportunities for passive surveillance shall be maximised by adherence to the criterion set out in the table below.

2 Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Guidelines for Queensland, Queensland Government 2007

RECREATION PARKS

CRITERION Local, district, cityOutdoor recreation,linkage park

Sports park Natural area Utility reserve

Unobstructed line of sight 50 metres 20 metres 50 metres 15 metres 50 metres

Concealed spaces No No No Minimise No

Entrapment spaces No No No No No

Ground to canopy clearance 1.8 metres 1.8 metres 1.8 metres Existing 1.8 metres

Steep changes of grade No Existing grades No Existing grades Minimise

Table 3: Surveillance criterion


Figure 4: Lighting spread

Lighting

All outdoor public spaces should be appropriately and consistently lit where night time use is expected and encouraged. Areas or facilities that are not designed for legitimate use after dark should remain unlit to deter anti-social behaviour.

• Key public spaces (including key bicycle and pedestrian routes, public facilities and signs) are lit to the minimum Australian Standard AS1158 – Public Lighting Code.

• Light fixtures are mounted high and are vandal-resistant. Bollards are not preferred as they can cause glare and are easily vandalised.

Landscaping

All vegetation and other landscaping features established in or around any public park area shall be located to maximise passive surveillance opportunities, maintain clear lines of sight and avoid the creation of concealment spots.

Trees, shrubs and other landscaping features should be chosen and located in a way that does not block surveillance, create concealment spots or reduce sightlines.

• Visibility through vegetation is clear to a minimum height of 1.5 metres.

• Trees are setback a minimum of 2 metres along routes. Low planting not exceeding 0.5 metres in height can be planted along routes.

Figure 5: Lines of sight and ground to canopy clearance

Figure 6: Example of clear sightline

Landscaping in public areas to provide clear sightlines and visual access to perimeter areas.

Figure 7: Clear sightline criteria

Clear sightlines along footpath and road areas using:

• shrubbery setback from footpath• lighting sphere under tree canopy• avoiding large mass of vegetation.

34

• Landscape form and the arrangement of embellishments and vegetation shall not create gun barrel routes or pinch points along paths, trails and linkage parks. All forms of connections shall conform with minimum clear length to width ratios presented in table below.

Target hardening and access control

All park areas shall be designed and constructed to reduce the potential for unauthorised access, graffiti and vandalism.

• Provide access hindrances to elements vulnerable to vandalism (for example, utility covers, grates, taps).

• Use materials that are resistant to graffiti and vandalism and avoid large flat surfaces to restrict the opportunity for graffiti.

• Where large flat surfaces cannot be avoided treat them with anti graffiti coatings to enable the quick removal of graffiti, if it should occur.

Locations of embellishments and features in parks

• Embellishments and features in parks shall be configured in compatible arrangements and located where they are easily visible from the street or surrounding activity areas.

• Embellishments and features in park areas shall be located to avoid creating a concentration of incompatible activities or activity nodes that could generate crime, conflict and nuisance behaviour (including vandalism). An example of such a concentration is depicted in the Figure below. The dog off-leash area is too close to both the bike track and playground. The playground is too close to the cycle track and the skate park.

• Activity nodes shall be configured to promote community safety by providing sufficient distances between nodes of incompatible activity; clustering compatible activities to encourage both user activity and community interaction; and locating nodes adjacent to areas that may otherwise be vulnerable or isolated, particularly along bicycle and pedestrian routes to increase activation of the area.

Wayfinding and legibility

Parks should be designed to assist easy orientation within the site.

• Signage at entrances provides clear orientation to major points of interest such as the location of public toilets, safe routes, park activities and adjacent public transport.

Length (metres) Width (metres)

200 50

150 37.5

100 25

80 20

60 to 20 15

>20 10

Table 4: Length to width ratios for safe connections

Figure 8: Incompatible activity nodes

35Park Design Guideline 35

Desirable outcomes

Type and illustration Features

A. • Four road frontages (entire lengths)

• Four boundaries with direct residential frontage

• 100 per cent passive surveillance

• Full pedestrian connectivity potential

B. • Three road frontages• Three boundaries with

direct residential frontage• 75 per cent passive

surveillance• Increased density of lots

adjoining open space• Option to increase

passive surveillance and connectivity with transparent fencing on adjoining residential interfaces

C. • Two road frontages (longer lengths)

• Two boundaries with residential frontage

• Approximately 60 per cent passive surveillance

D. • Two road frontages• Two boundaries with

direct residential frontage• 50 per cent passive

surveillance

Undesirable outcomes

Type and illustration Features

E. • One road frontage• One boundary with

direct residential frontage


• higher levels of potential entrapment

F. • No road frontages, only access points

• No direct property frontage

• Extremely poor connectivity


• Limited options to improve passive surveillance to an acceptable level as all properties are rear facing

• higher levels of potential entrapment

Figure 9: Passive surveillance – boundary examples

Passive surveillance – open space parks – local parks

36

MaintenanceParks and park assets must be easy to maintain and financially sustainable to the City. An understanding of the long term financial sustainability of the planned park is essential if community aspirations and City aspirations are to be realised, and the quality of those spaces is to endure.

In reality many of the most important and basic elements in parks are not expensive to construct and have low ongoing maintenance costs. For example, paths, trees, grass, and seats are the simple features of our parks that have endured for centuries and generally hold the widest appeal. Careful design and planning of the more significant and expensive facilities that are required can also ensure sustainable ongoing maintenance costs and achieve long lifecycles.

Financial sustainability

Works that are undertaken for the creation or embellishment of parks outside of the development application process must have a costed maintenance plan prepared that is accepted and approved by the City’s Parks and Recreational Services Branch.

Parks shall not be over-embellished, regardless of whether it is managed by the City or another entity. Embellishments should be appropriate for the type and scale of park that is being provided. Capital costs of assets installed in parks shall demonstrate low whole of life costs and low establishment costs.

Materials

Man-made components

Man-made materials installed in parks shall be:

• robust

• low maintenance

• fire resistant and vandal proof

• non-corroding and non-corrosive

• sustainable, with low whole of life costs

• sourced locally (such as site rock, or rock obtained from a nearby development)

• utilise recycled materials (such as bollards milled from site timber)

• visually unobtrusive

• of the lowest possible amount of embodied energy (energy used in material and product manufacture, transportation and installation)

• non-toxic, sharp edged or harmful to humans or environment in any way

• consistent with relevant Australian standards.


Materials appropriate for construction of facilities in Natural Areas include:

• recycled plastics

• galvanised steel

• stainless steel

• aluminium

• stone (sourced locally)

• concrete

• recycled hardwood

• composite timber products

• recycled glass

• non-toxic paint.

Natural components

Natural materials installed in parks shall:

• be resilient

• require minimal maintenance

• be appropriate for the local environment.

Vegetation established in parks shall be:

• endemic to the area and should reflect regional ecosystems (where appropriate)

• appropriate for the area available for planting

• appropriate to not cause harm or be hazardous to park users in certain area or locations e.g.: spikey thorns near paths and playgrounds and seed pod drop near paths and seating areas

• appropriate to the changed conditions presented by the development

• in soil, where appropriate, that is treated to improve essential and trace mineral availability

• appropriate species for the location

• in soil that is conducive to growth of selected species

• in soil that is protected from evaporation through the use of weed and seed-free mulches

• non-toxic

• drought tolerant.

Materials installed in Natural Areas shall:

• be natural in the most instance (e.g. hollow logs, boulders)

• be non-toxic

• have low embodied energy

• have low whole of life costs

• have high recycled content (where not natural)

• have high recyclable content (at the end of life)

• have a long life

• be locally available.

Turf installed in parks shall be:

• hardy

• drought tolerant after establishment

• fit for purpose

• hard wearing.

38

Maintenance access

Maintenance access must be provided into all parks.

Maintenance access must be:

• unobtrusive

• be separated from pedestrian access points

• have gates or removable bollards to control vehicular access; and where maintenance access crosses paths must be reinforced

Access to stormwater detention basins

Appropriate maintenance access to water sensitive urban design treatment devices located within parks shall be provided.

The access shall:

• be appropriate to the device type

• provide space for dewatering bio-retention basins

• not be obstructed by retaining walls or batters that are not safely traversable in heavy machinery.

Stormwater discharge into parks

Stormwater discharge into parks and the installation of stormwater infrastructure in parks must be done as a planned and coordinated exercise during the design phase of a park. Measures to prevent soil and surface erosion must be implemented as part of any stormwater discharge or stormwater infrastructure within or into parks.

Bollards

Bollards need to be robust with a long life span. The design and style of the bollard should be appropriate to the park type. Painted colour finishes to bollards should be avoided. Local parks generally should have simple bollards that are robust and easily replaced.

Path alignments

Path alignments should follow natural paths of travel and should form a connection to the various activity nodes such as picnic areas, playgrounds, seats etc.

Paths should:

• not lead into dead ends

• generally not have sharp changes of direction (unless to avoid existing vegetation)

• not result in small areas of grass being created that may become difficult to mow

• have a minimum width of 2 metres for pedestrian traffic only and 3 metres for shared bicycle/pedestrian pathway

• only cross over overland water flow channels where appropriately designed and constructed to ensure safe path use

Planting areas

Planting areas need to be relative to the type and size of public open space. For example a local park would have minimal to no planting areas where as a city park or regional park may have numerous planting areas.

Planting areas should:

• generally not have any width narrower than 500mm

• not create any surveillance issues

• not obstruct sight lines

• not contain any acute angles

• have a suitable hard and robust edge installed

• comply with CPTED guidelines and principles.


Maintenance – desirable outcomes Maintenance – undesirable outcomes

Stormwater overland flow path. Concrete edge and mesh reinforcement over rock bed prolongs life span and reduces maintenance costs.

Embankment too steep, timber edge too thin and weak, no embankment stabilisation, no planting. Result is eroded surface, visually unsightly and expensive to fix.

Awkward small areas of grass created by alignment of path and pavement.

Generous pavements in heavy use parks allow for multiple uses as well as circulation.

Unnecessary bend in path alignment can create short cutting across grass and creation of wear paths.

Simple curves in the path alignment prevent the need or desire for short cutting across grassed areas.

40

General planting guidelines to minimise maintenance

• Sprawling groundcover plants and shrubs not to be planted close to hard edges such as kerbs, paths and pavements.

• Planting along hard edges such as kerbs, paths and pavements to be offset so that when mature, the nominated plant does not overhang the hard edge and require pruning.

• Spikey plants not to be used.

• Trees to be offset a minimum of 3 metres from paths, private properties and pavements and 1.5 metres from carpark kerbs and pavements.

• Trees with large seed pods and/or fruits to be planted within mulched garden beds and not overhang hard pavements.

• Planting when mature must not block sight lines or require pruning to do so.

• Tree planting must be spaced adequately to allow for deck mowers to access all turfed areas or grouped to gather in mulch beds

• Garden bed edging – concrete or spade edge cut initially becomes sprayed edge in operation phase.

Figure 11: Minimum spacing to allow for deck mowers

Figure 10: Clear height requirements of mature trees

2.8 metres

Clearance

mature

height

Min 3 metres

Distance between

footpath and tree

Min 1 metre

Distance from footpath to

nominated plant species

Pavement/

Planting Areas

Turfed Areas

3 metres

4 metres



Planting set back from edge of grass.

Planting offset from edges of pavements in foreshore park.

Tree planting in grass with spacing to allow for deck mowers.

Acute angles in planting areas usually result in failed planting.

Planting offsets from the edge of pathways and pavements need to be appropriate to species so that when mature the planting has minimum overhang on the path.

Isolated planting areas within grassed areas for no apparent reason should be avoided. Trees in grass are more effective and have lower maintenance requirements.

Turfed Areas

42

General guidelines for bins in public open space

• Bins should be located at entry points and/or near activity areas such as picnic nodes.

• In small public open spaces, bins should be located as close as possible to entrances and/or road frontages.

• In medium to large public open spaces, bins should be located along pathways and/or pavements and in locations that can be easily accessed.

• Bins generally should not be placed within large expanses of grass without connection to a pathway network.

• 240 litre size wheelie bins to be used with or without enclosure, depending on type of park.

• Consideration must always be given to the emptying of bins and locating of bins so that emptying can be undertaken as efficiently as possible.

• Bins to be located to not cause interference with irrigation spray patterns.

• Bins to be installed on concrete slabs.



• Bin located off path with easy direct access for all.

• Location of bin prevents smells and rubbish interfering with the enjoyment of the barbeques and shelter, while still being at a convenient distance for users of the barbeques and shelter.

• Bin located on hard surface.

• Bin located with direct connection to path network.

• Bin can be emptied without obstructing path.

• Bin located in garden bed with no hard surface.

• Bin located too close to barbecue.

• Bin not connected into path network or other hard pavement that would assist making emptying faster and safer.

• Bin located too close to path.

• Bin located in garden bed with no hard surface.

44

Maintenance – desirable outcomes

• Internal pathways within park reducing occurrence of wear tracks.

• Mortared rock walls reducing damage by vandalism and knocking against.

• Retention of existing trees and incorporation into mulched areas.

• Simple plant species palette.


Maintenance – undesirable outcomes

• No internal pathways within park resulted in wear and tear.

• Painted rendered walls prone to vandalism and accidental damage.

• Site with shallow soil profile and weathered rock making successful turf establishment difficult.

• Area of planted garden beds within park is too great.

• Poor plant species selection and planting area preparation contributing to numerous plant failures.

• Concrete pavement subject to staining due to unplanned surface drainage.

46

Natural areas – desirable outcomes

• Good connectivity to street and footpath network.

• Good connectivity to adjacent local park path network.

• Revegetation does not impede onto path when mature.

• Where practical paths located a minimum of 3 metres from large trees to prevent damage to tree during construction of path.

• Asset protection zone (APZ) to be constructed along residential boundary for fire management purpose.

• No barrier required between Conservation Estate park (Bushland Reserve) and local park, if barriers around local park perimeter prevent access into Bushland Reserve.

• No tree greater than 10 metre mature height to be planted within 10 metres of property boundary.

• Asset protection zone (APZ) to be constructed along residential boundary for fire management purpose.

Street network

Amenity space

Amenity space

Localpark

Bushlandreserve

Localpark

Bushlandreserve

APZ – Asset protection zone

AP

Z –

Ass

et p

rote

ctio

n zo

ne

Street network

Street network

Residences

Residences

Residences

AP

Z –

Ass

et p

rote

ctio

n zo

ne

Street network

Amenity space

Amenity space

Localpark

Bushlandreserve

Localpark

Bushlandreserve


AP

Z –

Ass

et p

rote

ctio

n zo

ne

Street network

Street network

Residences

Residences

Residences

AP

Z –

Ass

et p

rote

ctio

n zo

ne

Figure 12

Figure 13


• Poor connectivity to street and footpath network.

• No connectivity to adjacent local park path network.

• Revegetation too close to path and over grows path when mature.

• No asset protection zone (APZ) constructed along residential boundary.

• Where the vegetation is too close to path and over grows path when mature.

• Barrier between Conservation Estate park (Bushland Reserve) and local park is not required if vehicular access is already prevented by perimeter barriers to local park.

• No asset protection zone (APZ) along residential boundary creates costly clearing.

Street network

Amenity space

Amenity space

Localpark

Bushlandreserve

Localpark

Bushlandreserve

Street network

Street network

Residences

Residences

Residences

Barrier

Natural areas – undesirable outcomes

Figure 14

Figure 15

Street network

Amenity space

Amenity space

Localpark

Bushlandreserve

Localpark

Bushlandreserve

Street network

Street network

Residences

Residences

Residences

Barrier

48

Natural areas – desirable outcomes

• Asset protection zone (APZ) that also can double as a fire trail provides a clear maintenance strip between residential and natural area boundary.

• Preventative maintenance costs incurred by the City are reduced as any large tree in proximity to the residential boundary is removed.

• Asset protection zone (APZ) that also can double as a fire trail provides a clear maintenance strip between residential and natural area boundary.

• Residential owners have no reason to carry out “clearing” due to maintenance or fire risk concerns.

Bushlandreserve

Bushlandreserve

APZ – Asset protection zone APZ – Asset protection zone


Street network

Residences

Residences

Residences

Bushlandreserve

Bushlandreserve

APZ – Asset protection zone APZ – Asset protection zone


Street network

Residences

Residences

Residences

Figure 16

Figure 17


• No Asset protection zone (APZ) between residential and natural area boundary.

• Preventative maintenance costs are incurred by the City carrying out tree removal and tree pruning, removing vegetative litter from fences that can act as a fuel source for fires, and removal of noxious weeds.

• No Asset protection zone (APZ) between residential and natural area boundary.

• Encroachment by residential property owners into natural area.

Natural areas – undesirable outcomes

Figure 18

Figure 19

Bushlandreserve

Residences

Private encroachments

Private encroachments

Bushlandreserve

ResidencesResidences

Street network

50

Natural areas – Example of change to bushland reserve

• Park on edge of new residential subdivision categorized as bushland reserve.

• Over time a shelter and path and cleared area are placed in the corner.

• With time a small playground is installed and cleared area increased and grasses mown.

Figure 20

Figure 21

Bushlandreserve

Street Network

Residences

1• Some trees cleared• Shelter installed

Bushlandreserve

Street Network

Residences

2• More trees cleared• Shelter installed• Playground installed• Grass mown

Bushlandreserve

Street Network

Residences

1• Some trees cleared• Shelter installed

Bushlandreserve

Street Network

Residences

2• More trees cleared• Shelter installed• Playground installed• Grass mown


• Cleared area is regularly mown, formal edging has been installed between grassed area and existing natural vegetation.

• The changed use of this corner is clearly no longer bushland reserve.

• Corner is truncated from the bushland reserve and reclassified as amenity space or local park.

• Bollards required around section of local park.

Figure 22

Bushlandreserve

Street network

Str

eet

netw

ork

Residences

3• More trees cleared• Shelter installed• Playground installed• Mown grass area edged and formalised• Bollards installed

Corner of bushland reserve truncated and categorised as amenity space or local park

52

ResponsivePublic open space shall be responsive to potential users and the environment. Parks must facilitate and encourage use, be a place that people enjoy being in and that they want to visit. Ideally parks should be a place that people can identify with in some way.

Some examples of responsive parks may be:

• the installation of a playground that incorporates natural features in the park that is located in a residential area with a young demographic

• the theming of a park to local history, local stories, local vegetation, natural features etc.

• the co-location of parks next to commercial areas, public libraries etc. that create synergies of use

• the design of passive and active parks that cater for all age groups.

Flexibility

Recreation parks shall be able to accommodate a wide range of activities at different times. It is important that the ‘level’ of flexibility is relative to the type and size of park.

A local park by its nature will generally be a much simpler type of park than a district or regional park, and can therefore be quite responsive to its catchment by simply providing some grassed open space areas with a path and some seats under shade.

Permeability, connectivity and accessibility

Paths in parks shall be configured to:

• follow desire lines

• visit places of interest

• form circuits

• link destinations

• contribute to a longer linkage

• contribute to linkages external to the site

• protect and retain vegetation

• avoid sensitive, concealed or potentially unsafe places

• follow natural contours where relevant.

Paths in parks shall be legible, shaded, clearly marked and have clear lines of sight.

Recreation facilities established in parks shall be located central to existing and projected catchments.

Provision of embellishments and features within natural areas should be designed on a site-specific basis, and shall minimise environmental impacts associated with construction, maintenance, and access to and use of embellishment and facilities.

Within natural areas embellishment and facilities shall be:

• located within existing cleared or disturbed areas, or along vegetation edges.

• designed to have a minimal footprint, particularly in terms of the area designated to impervious surfaces.

• fauna friendly where relevant.


Equitable

Routes and facilities in parks shall:

• where signed be legible to people of all ages, abilities and cultural orientations (for example, children, elderly, vision-impaired, people from non-English speaking backgrounds).

Access

Access to parks shall:

• enable all-weather access for maintenance to all areas

• locate entry/exits to promote active transport to, through and within the area

• locate and orientate facilities to maximise solar cycles and prevalent climatic conditions.

Figure 23: Flexible design of public open space

54

Responsive – desirable outcomes

• Wide internal pathways allowing access by all to all areas of park.

• Inclusion of locally historic and significant features (i.e. locally historic boat in corner of park).

• Inclusion of multi use facilities such as the band stand, picnic shelters, playground, historic houses, and terraced grass platforms with stone seating walls suitable for outdoor events.


Responsive – undesirable outcomes

• Extremely limited equitable access throughout park.

• Lack of identifiable entrances to park.

• Lack of shade throughout park.

• Park not activated to its full potential.

• No identity to park.

56

SafetyParks must be safe to use and be in. The risk for injury must be mitigated as much as possible. Good design should minimise the exposure to potential natural hazards within parks. (Note: also refer to Design Objectives – Crime prevention through environmental design).

The location and use of man-made and natural components, equipment or embellishments should not exacerbate exposure to natural hazards.

Safety fencing• Safety fencing shall be installed where there is a danger

of children gaining access to built hazards or hazardous areas (e.g. around stormwater drain head walls, outlets and pollution control devices or non-obvious natural hazards (e.g. lakes) that are not in clear view and within 40m of a playnode.).

• Where co-location of play nodes and vehicular traffic cannot be avoided (the interface of roads and play nodes), pool style safety fencing shall be installed parallel with the road and returned for three metres along the perpendicular sides of the play nodes. The entire play node shall not be enclosed.

Pavements

• Pavements must conform to all Australian Standards regarding slip resistance and DDA requirements.

• Pavements must finish flush with adjacent hard surfaces.

• The shoulders of shared pathways are to be free of obstructions (refer Austroads 14).

Furniture locations

• Seats, litter bins, drinking fountains, light poles etc. must be located so that they do not present a potential hazard.

Planting

• Tree species that have large heavy seed capsules/pods/cones should not be used in spaces designed for active and passive use, or close to roads or car parking areas.

• Vegetation with sharp spikes or seed pods should not be used in spaces designed for active and passive use.

• Vegetation species that are known skin irritants or allergens should not be used in spaces designed for active and passive use.

Risk mitigation

• A designers risk assessment must be prepared for all park designs and all types of parks.


Maintenance – Desirable outcomes Maintenance – Undesirable outcome

Safety fence adjacent to stormwater detention basin in local park.

Seat and light poles offset a minimum 1 metre from edge of pathway that is meandering through park.

Waterbody with a wide low planting area around edge to discourage access and to keep sight lines clear.

Pavement for drinking fountain which is too small to be useful has sunk causing a hazard for wheel chairs.

Drinking fountain too close to path presenting a potential hazard to people walking or cycling on path.

Water body that is screened by vegetation adjacent to a sports park/recreation park. Potential hazard to young children.

58

Natural areasNatural areas are parks with a primary function of conservation and allowing user exposure to more natural settings. It is important that the appropriate sub type classification is designated.

Natural Areas comprise the following sub types of the Gold Coast conservation estate:

• Conservation area

• Environmental reserve

• Bushland reserve

• General reserve.

More than one sub type of conservation estate can exist within one park name (e.g. a conservation area and an environmental reserve.) These parks can also be isolated or can be adjoining other park sub types (e.g. a bushland reserve adjoining a local park).

Any sub type of conservation estate categorised park may contain recreational uses, these may be outdoor recreation or nature-based activities, such as bushwalking and birdwatching.

Existing vegetationExisting vegetation and its habitat value is a major reason for designating natural area parks.

• Retained trees located on private property boundaries, entrances, trails and or in activity spaces need to be assessed to ensure that no risk is present to the public, and remedial arboriculture works may be required (e.g. Large branches overhanging trails, structurally unsound trees near trails, etc.).

• Protection of endangered, vulnerable and near threatened species of native vegetation is mandatory.

• Hollow bearing trees have significant habitat value and must be retained unless they pose a direct threat to public or property.

AccessAccess into natural area parks is to conform to the following:

• Boundary marker posts, rather than fencing can be used where the park boundary is not likely to have illegal vehicle access problems. This will apply to parks in more remote areas or in areas where natural topography and or vegetation makes access difficult. Boundary marker posts must be installed at every change of direction and at intervals not exceeding 150 metres.

• Bollards or fences with natural areas park gates for vehicle exclusion must be located near roads, tracks or other areas where illegal vehicle access problems could occur.

• Fence and gates for natural areas must be installed at all locations where illegal vehicle access is a major problem. The level of gate robustness should reflect the level of park remoteness and/or isolation from community surveillance.

• Fencing, gates or other vehicle exclusion between the boundary of conservation estate parks and other park fence types may not be needed. This will have to be assessed on a case by case basis with regard to the likelihood of the risk, and consequence of illegal vehicle access occurring.

• Trees are natural bollards – they should never be removed to install fences or bollards – trees should be retained.

• It is mandatory that unimpeded legal access over land must be provided for City vehicles to gain access to the various park sub types of the conservation estate.

• It is mandatory that access to existing fire trail networks is not restricted by new development or by construction activities. All new property development projects must be designed to keep adjoining existing fire trail networks intact and without impeding access to them.

• In most natural areas public access points shall be co-located with the entry to maintenance and/or bushfire management trails. Where this occurs, public pedestrian access shall be guided through horse step-throughs in association with park access gates.


Bushfire management trailsBushfire trails shall be designed in consultation with City officers. Bushfire Management must be in accordance with the City Plan — Bushfire Management Areas Constraint Code and the Fire Trail Construction Guideline.

Bushfire trails must be designed with consideration to surrounding bush fire trail networks, and not designed in isolation of other existing bush fire trail networks.

Wherever practical bush fire trails should be constructed along residential boundary lines so that a clear buffer area is created between the natural area and the residential boundary.

RehabilitationRehabilitation works must be undertaken to all disturbed areas to promote stability and ensure the system does not pass an abiotic threshold and to ensure no topsoil is lost (this is critical where stability of soil is problematic and adjacent to and downstream of construction or changed hydrology areas).

Generally there are 4 rehabilitation approaches:

1. Natural regeneration

2. Assisted regeneration

3. Reconstruction

4. Fabrication (type conversion).

The rehabilitation approach used will be dependent on the issues present for each specific natural area. Note that more than one approach may be required within a natural area.

In addition to the use of single or multiple rehabilitation approaches, it may also be necessary to identify work zones within a natural area. Zones shall often be appropriate on larger (e.g. more than 2 hectares) and more complex natural areas involving different vegetation communities and/or different rehabilitation treatments. Determining the location of zones should be made through the rehabilitation planning process.

Note that anticipated outcomes shall vary depending upon the vegetation community being restored and the level of disturbance. Rehabilitation planning shall be undertaken by an experienced and suitably qualified rehabilitation planning consultant and rehabilitation works shall be conducted by experienced and suitably qualified bush regenerators or ecological restorationists.

60

Table 5: Detailed description of rehabilitation approaches

Detailed description of rehabilitation approaches

Natural regeneration Assisted regeneration

Applies to relatively large, intact and weed-free areas of native vegetation.

Applies to natural areas where the native plant community is largely healthy and functioning.

Where the native plants are healthy and capable of regenerating without human intervention.

When native plant seed is still stored in the soil or shall be able to reach the site from nearby natural areas, by birds or other animals, wind or water (i.e. where a site exhibits resilience).

When native plant seed is stored in the soil or shall be able to reach the site from nearby natural areas, by birds or other animals, wind or water.

Where the natural regeneration processes (seedling germination, root suckering, etc.) are being inhibited by external factors, such as weed invasion, soil compaction, cattle grazing, mechanical slashing, etc.

Where the plant community has a high potential for recovery after any short-lived disturbance, such as a fire or cyclonic winds.

When limited human intervention, such as weed control, minor amelioration of soil conditions, erection of fencing, cessation of slashing, etc. shall be enough to trigger the recovery processes through natural regeneration.

When preventative action is all that is required to avert on-going disturbance, e.g. erection of fencing to prevent intrusion by cattle.

When the major component is weed control.

Where the re-establishing plant community shall be similar in structure, composition and diversity to the original vegetation.

Where the re-establishing plant community shall be similar in structure, composition and diversity to the original vegetation.

Note: Planting in such sites can work against the aims of restoration by interfering with natural regeneration.

Note: Planting in such sites can work against the aims of restoration by interfering with natural regeneration.

Reconstruction Fabrication (type conversion)

Where the site is highly degraded or altered. Where site conditions have been irreversibly changed.

When the degree of disturbance has been so great and for long-standing that the pre-existing native plant community cannot recover by natural means.

When it is not possible to restore the original native plant community.

To sites such as areas of fill, sites affected by stormwater flow, changed hydrological conditions and areas that have been drastically cleared, either mechanically or by stock even though there may be a few remaining native trees or shrubs.

Where a better-adapted local plant community can be planted that shall function within the changed conditions.

When a greater degree of human intervention is required, such as weed control, cessation of grazing and/or slashing, amelioration of soil conditions such as importation of soils, drainage works or reshaping of the landscape.

In situations such as the construction of a wetland plant community to mitigate increased urban stormwater run-off.

When a major component is the importation of local native species through planting.

Where the re-establishing planted community should be similar to a naturally occurring plant community of the same type, for example, freshwater wetlands, in structure, composition and diversity.

Where the re-establishing planted community should be similar to the original vegetation in structure, composition and diversity as well as addressing changed conditions or threats to landscape by appropriate species selection and placement.

Note 1: Revegetation (planting) is the major component in a fabrication program.

Note 2: Sometimes a combination of approaches is required. For example, when remnant native vegetation is surrounded by cleared and degraded lands, an assisted natural regeneration approach is appropriate for the remnant and a reconstruction approach for the surrounding lands. If increased stormwater run-off is a threat to the recovery of these areas, it may be necessary to establish a wetland plant community (fabrication) that shall slow run-off and increase nutrient uptake, thus improving the quality of water entering surrounding areas, a natural area or waterway etc.


Figure 24: Site rehabilitation approach selection

Site rehabilitation approach selection

Assisted regeneration

Is there any native vegetation on the site?

Describe the native vegetation type e.g. rainforest, sclerophyll

What Regional Ecosystem (RE)/Gold Coast Vegetation Type (GCVT) does it belong to?

Does the native vegetation on your site resemble the

RE/GCVT?

Are there weeds present?

Natural regeneration

Reconstruction

Reconstruction

Assisted regeneration

Fabrication (Type conversion)

Are native plants regenerating? If not, do you

think they will?

Why not? Has the structure been

destroyed? (e.g. only isolated

native trees?)

Describe the pre-existing vegetation type i.e. pre-clearing

What Regional Ecosystem (RE)/Gold Coast Vegetation Type (GCVT) did the original

vegetation belong to?

Have soil conditions been greatly modified?

e.g. fill, runoff, etc.

YES

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

YES

YESYES

YES

YES

62

Weed control in natural areas

The weed control and rehabilitation process shall follow stages presented in the table below.

Embellishments

The installation of embellishments within the conservation estate park sub types is often minimal and many conservation estate park sub types parks will have no embellishments at all. The primary purpose of all conservation estate park sub types is conservation.

It is possible that a conservation estate park can over time be embellished or modified as a consequence of surrounding land use change to such an extent that its classification should be changed. An example of this is a park categorized as bushland reserve on the edge of a residential subdivision. Over time a shelter and playground are installed in the corner of this bushland reserve facing the residential street, grasses are replaced with turf and regular mowing starts occurring.

At this point, the corner of the bushland reserve should be truncated and categorised as local recreation park or amenity space and separated from the rest of the intact bushland reserve.

Path networks

Paths are often placed in conservation areas, environmental reserves, and bushland reserves. It is important that these paths are planned in conjunction with nature-based recreation opportunities and/or integrated into path networks that may exist in surrounding park types.

• Paths must have connectivity into surrounding path networks and surrounding suburbs.

• If paths are provided they must be fully accessible for maintenance.

Asset protection zones (APZ)

Asset protection zones (APZ) are cleared buffers that are required between natural areas and residential boundaries. They are required to remove trees that are overhanging residential boundaries, reduce fuel for fire immediately adjacent residential boundaries and allow for maintenance access. They can also act as bushfire trails if deemed suitable as part of the Bushfire Management Plan.

Signage

Signage is required in natural areas for information, interpretation and regulatory reasons. Reference must be made to the Natural Area Sign Development Guidelines. These guidelines are for the use, placement and content of information to be used for signage in the conservation estate.

Weed Control Stage Description

Primary weed control Involves initial weed control and rarely entails the removal of all weed species at once, but rather the selective and strategic removal of weeds based on information gathered through site assessment and rehabilitation planning.

Secondary weed control Follows the completion of primary work and is a vital stage in the regeneration process. During this stage it is

necessary to correctly manage the growth of not only weed species on-site, but also regenerating natives.

Maintenance and follow-up weed control

This is the final stage in rehabilitation. In order to ensure primary and secondary work is successful, ongoing

maintenance and follow-up weed control is essential. The frequency and duration of this process shall vary

according to the resilience of native vegetation, the shape of the reserve, viability of weed seed in the seed

bank, the proximity of weed sources for re-infestation to the site, the type of weeds impacting the site and the

skill level of workers.

Table 6: Weed control stages for rehabilitation works


64

Park data sheetsThe parks data sheets provide minimum design standards, and levels of accepted embellishments for each type of park.

Reference specifications and standard drawingsRefer to the Open Space section of the land development guidelines for relevant park assets specifications, standard drawings and other City of Gold Coast reference documents.

Additional definitions Picnic node

Picnic nodes should be provided in public open space areas and located at attractive and accessible locations in district and city parks and adjoining natural features, or places of special interest. They should be designed for daytime use only and promote passive surveillance through clear lines of sight.

Please refer to Land Development guidelines for requirements and drawings specific to picnic nodes.

Entry statement

An entry statement is an optional element of landscape work. They mark and define the entry to a property, including individual developments, resorts, residential estates or precincts. They are most commonly used as a promotional tool in the marketing of new residential estates. Entry Statements can enhance the character of streetscapes and improve legibility and orientation within the City. They are non-trunk infrastructure and are not accepted by Council in public open space or the road reserve.


Local parkPark Classification: Open space parksPark Name: Coach Park, Upper Coomera

Specific design guidelines

Must have a useable recreation area of at least one hectare (1 ha) free from all encumbrances (including, but not limited to stormwater improvement/detention devices, over land flow paths and swales, environmental buffers, existing or future easements and contaminated or hazardous land).

Minimum 50% of park perimeter to have road frontage.

No mulched planting beds, shrubs or ground cover planting to be used.

Clear trunked trees only to be used.

Minimum of one of each type of embellishment to be linked into an accessible path of travel.

Must be round or square in shape and preferably have a minimum width of 50 metres.

One hundred per cent (100%) of the useable recreation area must be above the Q5 flood level.

Seventy five per cent (75%) of the usable recreation area must be above the Q50 flood level.

Minimum eighty per cent (80%) of the usable recreation area must have a grade slighter than 1:10.

Maximum twenty per cent (20%) of the usable recreation area may have a maximum grade of 1:10.

Embellishment table Local park

Barbecues No

Bicycle stands No

BinsNo – users are encouraged to take rubbish home with them

Boardwalks No

Bollards and barriersNo – unless conditioned otherwise

Car parks No

Community gardensNo – unless conditioned otherwise

Dog off leash area No

Drinking fountains No

Fencing and BarriersNo – unless conditioned otherwise

Fishing pontoons/ boat launches

No – unless conditioned otherwise


Groundcover vegetation and landscaped garden areas or beds


Gates Yes – 1 minimum

Horse step-throughs No

Irrigation systems No

Lighting No

Maintenance taps No

Ornamental water features

No

Park maintenance access and emergency vehicle maintenance

Yes

Paths Yes

Picnic nodes No

Pedestrian bridges No

Picnic tables and benches

Yes


Picnic shelter Yes

PlaygroundsNo – unless conditioned otherwise

Playing fields No

Primary public access points

Yes – 1 minimum

Public art No

Seats Yes

Shade structures No

Signage – park entrance Yes – 1 minimum

Signage (other types) No

Switchboard No

Toilet blocks No

Trails and tracks No

Trees Yes

Turf Yes

Water supply No

Table 7: Local park embellishment requirements

66

District parkPark Classification: Open space parksPark Name: Schusters Park, Tallebudgera


Must have a useable recreation area of at least five hectare (5 ha) free from all encumbrances (including, but not limited to stormwater improvement/detention devices, over land flow paths and swales, environmental buffers, existing or future easements and contaminated or hazardous land).


No mulched formal planting beds, shrubs or ground cover planting to be used.


Must facilitate wheelchair access to all activity nodes within the recreation area and throughout the entire recreation area.

Must provide a variety of recreation types and/or opportunities and attract people to visit for longer periods of time.

To be for recreation purposes only – no organised sporting facilities.

All district parks must be round or square in shape and preferably have a minimum width of 80 metres.

All district parks must form part of an existing or a proposed link between other recreation facilities or facilitate new linkages to existing surrounding recreation facilities.

One hundred per cent (100%) of the useable recreation area must be above the Q5 flood level.

Ninety per cent (90%) of the usable recreation area must be above the Q50 flood level.

Minimum ninety per cent (90%) of the usable recreation area must have a grade slighter than 1:10.

Maximum ten per cent (10%) of the usable recreation area may have a maximum grade of 1:10.

Embellishment table District park

Barbecues Yes – 2 minimum

Bicycle stands Yes

Bins

Yes – wheelie bin on security post unless otherwise conditioned – 2 minimum

BoardwalksNo – unless conditioned otherwise


Car parks 5 per ha


Dog off leash area Yes if space allows

Drinking fountains Yes – 2 minimum






As required

GatesNo – unless conditioned otherwise



LightingYes – for main pathways only

Maintenance taps Yes – 2 minimum


No


Yes

Paths Yes

Picnic nodes Yes – 1



Yes


Picnic shelter Yes

Playgrounds Yes – with shade sail

Playing fields No


Yes – 1 minimum

Public artNo – unless conditioned otherwise

Seats Yes – 5 minimum

Shade structures Yes

Signage – park entrance Yes – 2 minimum


Switchboard Yes – 1

Toilet blocksYes – 1 minimum (2F x 2M & 1 x DA)


Trees Yes

Turf Yes

Water supply Yes

Table 8: District park embellishment requirements


City park Park Classification: Open space parksPark Name: Broadwater Parklands, Southport


Must have a minimum usable recreation area of fifteen hectares (15 ha) free from all encumbrances (including, but not limited to stormwater improvement/detention devices, over land flow paths/swales, environmental buffers, existing or future easements and contaminated or hazardous land).


To be designed to have the capacity to host organised events.

To be designed as a major recreational destination in the City.

Embellishments and facilities to be provided to enable long periods of time to be spent at these parks.


Must facilitate wheelchair access to all activity nodes within the recreation area and throughout the entire recreation area.

Must provide a variety of recreation types and/or opportunities and attract people to visit for longer periods of time.

To be for recreation purposes only – no organised sporting facilities.

Must be round or square in shape.

Must represent a recreation node that forms the centre of a web of surrounding recreation facilities. All surrounding recreation facilities shall be strongly linked to the city park using well defined active transport routes.

Minimum one hundred per cent (100%) of the useable recreation area must be above the Q5 flood level.

Minimum forty per cent (40%) of the usable recreation area must be above the Q50 flood level.

Minimum ten per cent (10%) of the usable recreation area must be above the Q100 flood level.

Minimum eighty per cent (80%) of the usable recreation area must have a grade slighter than 1:10.

Maximum twenty per cent (20%) of the usable recreation area may have a maximum grade of 1:10.

Embellishment table City park

Barbecues Yes – 2 minimum

Bicycle stands Yes – 12 minimum

Bins


Boardwalks No

Bollards and barriersYes – to prevent vehicle access

Car parks 5 per ha


Dog off leash area Yes if space allows







As required

GatesNo – unless conditioned otherwise



LightingYes – for main pathways only



No


Yes

Paths Yes

Picnic nodes Yes – 2



Yes


Picnic shelter Yes


Playing fields No

Primary public access points – entry statement

Yes – 1 minimum


Yes – 4 minimum




Signage – park entrance Yes – 4

Signage (other types)Yes – Wayfinding as per City wayfinding strategy

Switchboard Yes – 2 minimum



Trees Yes

Turf Yes

Water supply YesTable 9: City park embellishment requirements

68

Open space linkage park Park Classification: Open space parksPark Name: Gabriel Park, Robina


Must be a minimum of fifteen meters (15m) wide for the full length of the recreation facility.

A sealed pathway must connect one end of the area to the other. The pathway shall be designed to connect with other pedestrian/cycle paths at both ends. (Refer to the City Plan – Version 5)

All paths must be sufficiently shaded using selectively positioned shade trees, or existing/retained trees.

All open space linkage parks must not contain sharp or acute angles.

All open space linkage parks must maximise opportunities for visual corridors or vistas.

All landscaping along open space linkage parks must enhance and not obstruct visual corridors or vistas.

Where open space linkage parks are adjacent to waterways and flow paths, the area must be designed to safely accommodate any foreseen water flow and not obstruct the usability of the linkage.


Barbecues No

Bicycle stands No

Bins No

Boardwalks No


Car parks No

Community gardens No





No


As required


GatesYes – to prevent vehicle access



Lighting No

Maintenance taps No


No


Yes

Paths Yes

Picnic nodes No



No

Picnic shelter No


Playgrounds No

Playing fields No


Yes – 1

Public art No

Seats No

Shade structures No



Switchboard No

Toilet blocks No


Trees Yes

Turf As required

Water supply No

Table 10: Open space linkage park embellishment requirements


Amenity space park Park Classification: Open space parksPark Name: Paradise River Park, Ashmore


Must be a minimum of fifteen meters (15m) wide for the full length of the recreation facility.

These spaces are not to be used for storm water treatment.

Typical uses may be for amenity purposes including noise and visual buffers, fountains, memorials, art display etc.

Embellishment table Amenity space park

Barbecues No

Bicycle stands No

Bins No

Boardwalks No


Car parks No




Fencing and Barriers No




As required


GatesYes – to prevent vehicle access



Lighting No

Maintenance taps No




Yes

Paths Yes

Picnic nodes No



No

Picnic shelter No


Playgrounds No

Playing fields No


Yes – 1

Public art As required

Seats As required

Shade structures No

Signage – park entrance As required


Switchboard No

Toilet blocks No


Trees As required

Turf As required

Water supply No

Table 11: Amenity space park embellishment requirements

70

Water bodyPark Classification: Open space parksPark Name: Mangrove Jack Park, Helensvale


Must be a permanent water body (does not drain, nor is ephemeral) with a primary purpose of amenity value.

Must not be so small that it would be considered a stormwater quality improvement device (SQID), or a pond.

Can be a canal or lake.

Can be used for active recreation purposes.

All water bodies that are visible and accessible must have clear sight lines maintained to their edges.

All water bodies accessible to the general public must be designed to ensure safe, unhindered access out of the water body. Edge of water body must not have sudden drop-offs that would prevent someone walking out if they fell in.

Warning signage must be erected in parks where water bodies are present.

A risk assessment is to be undertaken on water bodies where ever public access already exists or is created. Consultation with City officers is required prior to creating public access to water bodies.

All water bodies must have all weather unhindered maintenance access for two wheel drive vehicles.

Embellishment table Water body park

Barbecues No

Bicycle stands No

Bins No

Boardwalks No


Car parks No






No


As required


Gates As required



Lighting No

Maintenance taps No


No


Yes

Paths Yes

Picnic nodes No



No

Picnic shelter No

Playgrounds No


Playing fields No


Yes – 1

Public art No

Seats No

Shade structures No



Switchboard No

Toilet blocks No


Trees Yes

Turf As required

Water supply No

Table 12: Water body embellishment requirements


Civic parkPark Classification: Open space parksPark Name: Federation and Victoria Park Broadbeach, Como Park, Southport


Civic parks are urban open spaces within medium to high density areas and must support diverse recreational and social activities.

Open area for passive recreation/shaded spaces for social interaction/visual amenity for external users and centrally located to maximise accessibility.

Physical and visual connectivity with multifunctional civic spaces, and highly embellished community facilities.

Disability access for key use areas

Civic parks help increase the urban green space as well as the liveability, safety and sense of community.

Embellishment table

Civic parks are flexible spaces contributing to the amenity of an area. They may include;

• Grassed lawns / passive recreation• Garden beds• Seating / seating nodes / benches / shelter• Shade trees / arbours / green walls• Pathway connections / bike racks / refuse bin• Stormwater / Multifunctional space• Toilets to service town centres • Preservation of natural features where possible • Event electrical infrastructure boards & digital walls• Suitable access for maintenance • Flexible space for markets• Non trunk park

72

District sports park Park Classification: SportsPark Name: Robina Common, Robina

Embellishment table District sports park

Barbecues Yes - 1


Bins


Boardwalks No


Car parksSubject to individual assessment. Minimum of 50






No


Gates No – if fencing installed 2


As required


Irrigation systems Yes – sports fields only

LightingYes – for main pathways only and sports fields



No


Yes

Paths Yes

Picnic nodes No



Yes

Picnic shelter Yes – 4



Playing fields (sports fields)

Yes


Yes – 1 minimum


Yes – 2 minimum






Switchboard Yes


Trails and tracks Yes – 2

Trees Yes

Turf Yes

Water supply Yes


Must have a useable recreation area of at least ten hectare (10 ha) free from all encumbrances (including, but not limited to stormwater improvement/detention devices, over land flow paths and swales, environmental buffers, existing or future easements and contaminated or hazardous land).



Must facilitate wheelchair access to all activity nodes within the recreation areas and spectator areas.


Must cater for 1 or 2 sport types. Refer to City of Gold Coast Parks Officers for direction on sports types to cater for.

Must cater for passive recreation opportunities as well as formal sports activities.

Free, unrestricted access to the public must be maintained at times when formal sport is not being undertaken.

All playing fields to be designed in accordance with the recommendations made in City’s Land Development Guidelines.

Must form part of an existing or a proposed link between other recreation facilities or facilitate new linkages to existing surrounding recreation facilities.

Sports field lighting to be designed with the provision of 100 lux with the ability for 200 lux lighting level.

Minimum one hundred per cent (100%) of the active recreation area must be above the Q5 flood level.

Minimum ninety per cent (90%) of the active recreation area must be above the Q50 flood level.

Minimum ten per cent (10%) of the active recreation area must be above the Q100 flood level.

Minimum eighty per cent (80%) of the area of District Sport Parks outside the designated playing fields must have a grade slighter than 1:10.

Maximum twenty per cent (20%) of the area of District Sport Parks outside the designated playing fields may have a maximum grade of 1:10.

Table 13: District sports park embellishment requirements



Must have a useable recreation area of at least fifteen hectare (15 ha) free from all encumbrances (including, but not limited to stormwater improvement/detention devices, over land flow paths and swales, environmental buffers, existing or future easements and contaminated or hazardous land).



Must facilitate wheelchair access to all activity nodes within the recreation areas and spectator areas.


Must cater for multiple sport types. Refer to City of Gold Coast Parks Officers for direction on sports types to cater for.

Must have capacity to accommodate multiple clubs and organisations and ancillary facilities.

Must cater for passive recreation opportunities as well as formal sports activities.

Free, unrestricted access to the public must be maintained at times when formal sport is not being undertaken.

All playing fields to be designed in accordance with the recommendations made in City’s Land Development Guidelines.

Must form part of an existing or a proposed link between other recreation facilities or facilitate new linkages to existing surrounding recreation facilities.

Sports field lighting to be designed with the provision of 100 lux with the ability for 200 lux lighting level.

One hundred per cent (100%) of the active recreation area must be above the Q5 flood level.

Forty per cent (40%) of the active recreation area must be above the Q50 flood level.

Ten per cent (10%) of the active recreation area must be above the Q100 flood level.

Minimum eighty per cent (80%) of the area of District Sport Parks outside the designated playing fields must have a grade slighter than 1:10.

Maximum twenty per cent (20%) of the area of District Sport Parks outside the designated playing fields may have a maximum grade of 1:10.

City sports parkPark Classification: SportsPark Name: Pizzey Park, Miami

Embellishment table City sports park

Barbecues Yes – 1


Bins


Boardwalks No


Car parksSubject to individual assessment. Minimum of 50






No


Gates No – if fencing installed 2


Yes – restricted to minimal areas


Irrigation systems Yes – sports fields only

LightingYes – for main pathways only and sports fields



No


Yes

Paths Yes

Picnic nodes No



Yes

Picnic shelter Yes – 4




Yes


Yes – 1 minimum


Yes – 2 minimum






Switchboard Yes



Trees Yes

Turf Yes

Water supply Yes

Table 14: City sports park embellishment requirements

74

Specialised sports parkPark Classification: SportsPark Name: Gold Coast Velodrome, Nerang


Specific design guidelines for specialised sports parks to be prescribed specifically for the proposed sport and site location.

Specialised sports parks will only very rarely be developed as part of a residential, commercial, industrial or mixed used development. As each facility will be developed to cater for the needs of varying activities, specific design criteria must be sought through extensive consultation with user groups/clubs, the surrounding community and City officers.

Embellishment table

Embellishments for specialised sports parks to be prescribed specifically for the proposed sport and site location.



Gold Coast Suns AFL club

Park Classification: SportsPark Name: Metricon Stadium, Carrara


Not applicable as major sporting facilities are not owned by City of Gold Coast.

Embellishment table

Not applicable.

Reference specifications and standard drawings

Not applicable.

76

Utility reserveEnergex 110Kv network corridor

Park Classification: Utility ReservesPark Name: Hans Park, Upper Coomera

Embellishment table Utility reserves park

Barbecues No

Bicycle stands No

Bins No

Boardwalks No


Car parks No






No

Gates No


As required




Lighting No

Maintenance taps No


No


Yes

Paths No

Picnic nodes No



No

Picnic shelter No

Playgrounds No


No



No


No

Public art No

Seats No

Shade structures No

Signage – park entrance No


Switchboard No

Toilet blocks No


Trees No

Turf As required

Water supply No


In terms of open space the City defines a utility reserve as land for utility infrastructure such as electricity transmission, telecommunications, water and sewerage.

Utility reserves shall be designed using specific design criteria from the type of open space the reserve is directly adjacent to. Example: Two local parks are divided by an electricity easement. The easement may be designed as a continuation of both local parks.

Consult with the relevant utility infrastructure to ensure the proposal will not conflict with the primary function of the reserve.

Table 15: Utility reserve embellishment requirements



All drainage reserves accessible to the general public must be designed to ensure safe, unhindered access out of the water body.

All drainage reserves must have all weather unhindered maintenance access for two wheel drive vehicles.

Open space surrounding a drainage reserve shall generally be designed as a natural area and shall be rehabilitated or restored to reflect the pre-disturbed vegetation type as mapped by the City or the Queensland Government or as defined by ecological reports that have been accepted by the City.

Occasionally public access to a drainage reserve may be encouraged by the City. Extensive consultation with City office is required in these circumstances.

All drainage reserves that are clearly visible and accessible must have clear site lines maintained around their edges.

Drainage reserve Park Classification: Utility reservesPark Name: Isetta Reserve, Upper Coomera

Embellishment table Drainage reserve

Barbecues No

Bicycle stands No

Bins No

Boardwalks No


Car parks No




Fencing and BarriersAs required, subject to risk assessment


No

Gates No


As required




Lighting No

Maintenance taps No


No


Yes

Paths No

Picnic nodes No



No

Picnic shelter No

Playgrounds No


No



No


No

Public art No

Seats No

Shade structures No



Switchboard No

Toilet blocks No


Trees No

Turf As required

Water supply No

Table 16: Drainage reserve embellishment requirements

78

Natural drainage reservePark Classification: Utility reservesPark Name: Mugello Park Natural Drainage

Reserve, Oxenford

Embellishment tableNatural drainage reserve

Barbecues No

Bicycle stands No

Bins No

Boardwalks No


Car parks No




Fencing and BarriersAs required, subject to risk assessment


No

Gates No


As required




Lighting No

Maintenance taps No


No


Yes

Paths No

Picnic nodes No



No

Picnic shelter No

Playgrounds No


No



No


No

Public art No

Seats No

Shade structures No



Switchboard No

Toilet blocks No


Trees No

Turf As required

Water supply No


All drainage reserves accessible to the general public must be designed to ensure safe, unhindered access out of the water body.

All drainage reserves must have all weather unhindered maintenance access for two wheel drive vehicles.

Open space surrounding a drainage reserve shall generally be designed as a natural area and shall be rehabilitated or restored to reflect the pre-disturbed vegetation type as mapped by the City or the Queensland Government or as defined by ecological reports that have been accepted by City.

Occasionally public access to a drainage reserve may be encouraged by the City. Extensive consultation with City Officers is required in these circumstances.

All drainage reserves that are clearly visible and accessible must have clear site lines maintained around their edges.

Table 17: Natural drainage reserve embellishment requirements



All conservation areas typically have an area of at least five hectare (5 ha) free from all encumbrances (including, but not limited to stormwater improvement/detention devices, over land flow paths and swales, environmental buffers, existing or future easements and contaminated or hazardous land).

Conservation areas must be rehabilitated to ensure the dedicated parcel of land is weed free and must be rehabilitated or restored to reflect the pre-disturbed vegetation type as mapped by the City or the Queensland Government or as defined by ecological reports that have been accepted by the City.

All conservation areas must be restored to reflect the recommendations made in all (City approved) environmental management plans. Open space designers must liaise with all other planning, engineering and environmental professionals to ensure a coordinated approach producing the desired outcome.

Refer to the City of Gold Coast – Open Space Management Guideline – Appendix 1: Guideline for the preparation of a Rehabilitation Plan.

Public access not to be encouraged.

Conservation values to be preserved.

The City vehicular access must be preserved and not be blocked by future developments or construction activities.

Access to existing fire trail network must be preserved and not be able to be blocked by future developments or construction activities.

Stormwater infrastructure is not to be put into Conservation areas.

Boundary marker posts may be used where location of park boundary is not likely to have illegal vehicle access problems.

Where a conservation area adjoins an open space park, fencing or bollards between the boundaries may not be required if vehicle exclusion is maintained around the boundary of the open space park.

Restoration works must be undertaken to all disturbed and/or unstable areas to ensure that no erosion of soils or surface materials occur.

A bushfire management plan must be provided and implemented for conservation areas.

Access to existing fire trail network must be preserved and not be blocked by future developments or construction activities.

Conservation area Park Classification: Gold Coast conservation estatePark Name: Coogera South Conservation Area,

Ormeau Hills

Embellishment table Conservation area

Barbecues No

Bicycle stands No

Bins No

Boardwalks No


Car parks No




Fencing and Barriers Yes – to prevent access


No

Gates Yes


As required




Lighting No

Maintenance taps No


No


Yes

Paths No

Picnic nodes No



No

Picnic shelter No

Playgrounds No


No



No


No

Public art No

Seats No

Shade structures No



Switchboard No

Toilet blocks No – unless conditioned


Trees No

Turf No

Water supply No

Table 18: Conservation area embellishment requirements

80


Environmental reserves have a variable size free from all encumbrances (including, but not limited to stormwater improvement/detention devices, over land flow paths and swales, environmental buffers, existing or future easements and contaminated or hazardous land).

Environmental reserves must be rehabilitated to ensure the dedicated parcel of land is weed free and must be rehabilitated or restored to reflect the pre-disturbed vegetation type as mapped by the City or the Queensland Government or as defined by ecological reports that have been accepted by the City.

All Environmental reserves must be restored to reflect the recommendations made in all (City approved) environmental management plans and all other City accepted reports and plans. Open space designers must liaise with all other planning, engineering and environmental professionals to ensure a coordinated approach producing the desired outcome.

Refer to the Gold Coast City Council – Open Space Management Guideline – Appendix 1: Guideline for the preparation of a Rehabilitation Plan.

May currently or have the potential to support appropriate recreational uses such as bushwalking and bird watching. These activities may justify embellishments such as trails and tracks, bird hides and boardwalks. Refer to City of Gold Coast Parks Officers for direction on the suitability of Environmental Reserves for recreational uses.




Stormwater infrastructure is not to be put into environmental reserves.


Where an environmental reserve adjoins an open space park, fencing or bollards between the boundaries may not be required if vehicle exclusion is maintained around the boundary of the open space park.

Restoration works must be undertaken to all disturbed and /or unstable areas to ensure that no erosion of soils or surface materials occur.

A bushfire management plan must be provided and implemented for Conservation Areas.

Access to existing fire trail network must be preserved and not be blocked by future developments or construction activities.

Environmental reservePark Classification: Gold Coast conservation estatePark Name: Len and Muriel Godlonton

Environmental Reserve, Runaway Bay

Embellishment table Environmental reserve

Barbecues No

Bicycle stands No

Bins No

Bird hides By exception

Boardwalks By exception


Car parks No




Fencing and Barriers As required


No

Gates As required


As required




Lighting No

Maintenance taps No


No


Yes

Paths No

Picnic nodes No



No

Picnic shelter No

Playgrounds No


No



No


No

Public art No

Seats No

Shade structures No



Switchboard No

Toilet blocks No

Trails and tracks By exception

Trees No

Turf No

Water supply No

Table 19: Environmental reserve embellishment requirements



Bushland reserves have a variable size free from all encumbrances (including, but not limited to stormwater improvement/detention devices, over land flow paths and swales, environmental buffers, existing or future easements and contaminated or hazardous land).

Bushland reserves must be rehabilitated to ensure the dedicated parcel of land is weed free and must be rehabilitated or restored to reflect the pre-disturbed vegetation type as mapped by the City or the Queensland Government or as defined by ecological reports that have been accepted by the City.

All Bushland reserves must be restored to reflect the recommendations made in all (City approved) environmental management plans and all other City accepted reports and plans. Open space designers must liaise with all other planning, engineering and environmental professionals to ensure a coordinated approach producing the desired outcome.


May currently or have the potential to support appropriate recreational uses such as bushwalking and bird watching. These activities may justify embellishments such as trails and tracks, bird hides and boardwalks. Refer to City of Gold Coast Parks Officers for direction on the suitability of environmental reserves for recreational uses.




Storm water infrastructure is not to be put into bushland reserves.


Where a bushland reserve adjoins an open space park, fencing or bollards between the boundaries may not be required if vehicle exclusion is maintained around the boundary of the open space park.

Restoration works must be undertaken to all disturbed and/or unstable areas to ensure that no erosion of soils or surface materials occur.

Bushland reservePark Classification: Gold Coast conservation estatePark Name: Vennor Reserve, Ormeau and

Hardy’s Road Reserve

Embellishment table Bushland reserve

Barbecues No

Bicycle stands No

Bins No

Bird hide By exception



Car parks No




Switchboard No

Fencing and Barriers Yes – to prevent access


No

Gates Yes



As required



Lighting No

Maintenance taps No


No


Yes

Paths No

Picnic nodes No



No

Picnic shelter No


Playgrounds No


No


No


No

Public art No

Seats No

Shade structures No



Toilet blocks No


Trees No

Turf No

Water supply No

Table 20: Bushland reserve embellishment requirements

82


General reserves have a variable size free from all encumbrances (including, but not limited to stormwater improvement/detention devices, over land flow paths and swales, environmental buffers, existing or future easements and contaminated or hazardous land).


May currently or have the potential to support appropriate recreational uses such as bushwalking and bird watching. These activities may justify embellishments such as trails and tracks, bird hides and boardwalks. Refer to City of Gold Coast Parks Officers for direction on the suitability of General Reserves for recreational uses.

Note for developers

There should be no creation of general reserve open space in any private developments that will be taken over by the City. If such open space exists in private developments it is to be improved to an open space parks category park, or to a bushland reserve, subject to discussion and direction from City officers.

General reserve Park Classification: Gold Coast conservation estatePark Name: Sandhurst Crescent General Reserve,

Upper Coomera

Embellishment table General reserve

Barbecues No

Bicycle stands No

Bins No

Bird hides By exception


Bollards and barriers No

Car parks No




Fencing and Barriers As required


No

Gates As required


As required




Lighting No

Maintenance taps No


No


Yes

Paths No

Picnic nodes No



No

Picnic shelter No

Playgrounds No


No



No


No

Public art No

Seats No

Shade structures No



Switchboard No

Toilet blocks No


Trees No

Turf No

Water supply No

Table 21: General reserve embellishment requirements


84

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86

Reference documentsAustralian Standards It is the Designers responsibility to reference the latest version of all applicable Australian Standards

City Open Space Specification and Design Index

This is a spreadsheet document that hyper links to relevant specifications, standard details and other City of Gold Coast references for various asset types (embellishments) for design and planning of public open space – parks.

Prior to commencement of planning and design, consult with the City’s Parks and Recreational Services Branch to identify the latest version of specifications and/or standard details and to gain access to the City of Gold Coast Park Asset Specification and Design Index.

• City of Gold Coast Signage Masterplan Version 1.0 July 2013

• Draft Foreshoreway Design Manual, June 2012

• Fire Trail Construction Guidelines developed by the Natural Areas Management Unit (NAMU), Gold Coast City Council.

• Gold Coast City Council Risk Assessment Methodology Council Playgrounds and Associated Risks 30 June 2011 by Echelon Australia

• Open Space Management Guideline November 2007 Version 1, GCCC Appendix 1: Guideline for the preparation of a Rehabilitation Plan

• Public Convenience Modular Space Design Strategy Version 2 June 2009, GCCC

• Public Art Policy 17 September 2007 Guidelines for Implementing the Gold Coast Public Art Policy October 2007

• GCCC Strategic and Operational Plan For Skate & BMX Facilities on the Gold Coast’ prepared by Plan C for the City, August 2007.

• SE QLD Regional Plan 2009-2031

• QLD Greenspace Strategy 2011-2020

• The Planning Act 2016

• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Guidelines for Queensland

• Waterway Guidelines

• SE QLD Ecological Restoration Framework

• Gold Coast Landscape Strategy Part 1. Landscape Character Guiding the Image of the City

• City Plan

• City of Gold Coast Corporate Plan – Gold Coast 2022

• Urban Greenspace 2030 – DRAFT

• Gold Coast Landscape Character Landscape Heritage Study

• Nature Conservation Strategy 2009-2017

• Our Natural City Strategy

• Our Natural Playground – A Parks and Recreational Services Guide

• Parks & Leisure – Open space planning and design guidelines


City of Gold Coast – Park asset specification and design indexSpecifications

Refer to the City’s Parks and Recreational Services Branch to obtain the latest version of specifications.

Artwork/sculptures ......................................... Parks – Public Art

Basketball courts ................................Parks – Basketball Courts

Baseball practice nets ................ Parks – Baseball Practice Nets

Bocce courts ............................................Parks – Bocce Courts

Barbecues .................................................... Parks – Barbeques

Bicycle stands .........................................Parks – Bicycle stands

Bins ........................................................................ Parks – Bins

BMX tracks ..................................................Parks – BMX Tracks

Boardwalks ................................................Parks – Boardwalks

Bollards ........................................................................... Vacant

Bridges .............................................................. Parks – Bridges

Car parks .......................................................Parks – Car parks

Chess courts .............................................Parks – Chess courts

Cricket wickets ......................................Parks – Cricket Wickets

Cricket practice nets ..................... Parks – Cricket Practice Nets

Croquet green ........................................ Parks – Croquet Green

Cycling tracks ..........................................Parks – Cycling Tracks

Dog off leash area ............................Parks – Dog Off Leash Area

Drainage ................................................... Parks – Site Drainage

Dressage arenas ................................... Parks – Dressage Arena

Drinking fountain ................................. Parks – Drinking Fountain

Electrical bollards/pillars ............Parks – Electrical Bollards Pillars

Fencing .............................................................Parks – Fencing

Fire trails ..........................................................Parks – Fire Trails

Fish cleaning sinks (stations ) .......Parks – Fish Cleaning Stations

Fitness equipment ............................ Parks – Fitness Equipment

Footbridges ............................................... Parks – Foot Bridges

Garden beds .............................................Parks – Garden Beds

Irrigation ...........................................................Parks – Irrigation

Kerb and channel .............................. Parks – Kerb and Channel

Lawn bowls green ............................Parks – Lawn Bowls Green

Long jump run up and sand pit ......................Parks – Long jump

run up and sand pit

Natural areas ............................................ Parks – Natural Areas

Netball courts ..........................................Parks – Netball Courts

Park lighting ..............................................Parks – Park Lighting

Paths .................................................................... Parks – Paths

Pentaque courts ..................................Parks – Pentaque Courts

Play equipment ......................................Parks – Play Equipment

Picnic settings ........................................ Parks – Picnic Settings

Plaques and memorials .............Parks – Plaques and memorials

Retaining walls ........................................Parks – Retaining Walls

Roads .................................................................Parks – Roads

Running tracks ...................................... Parks – Running Tracks

Score boards ............................................. Parks – Scoreboards

Seats .................................................................... Parks – Seats

Shade structures ................................ Parks – Shade Structures

Shelters .............................................................Parks – Shelters

Signs .................................................................... Parks – Signs

Softball practice nets ....................Parks – Softball Practice Nets

Soft fall zones ......................................... Parks – Soft Fall Zones

Stairs .................................................................... Parks – Stairs

Shuffleboard courts ........................ Parks – Shuffleboard Courts

Skate park .................................................... Parks – Skate park

Spectator seating ...............................Parks – Spectator seating

Sportsfield .....................................................Parks – Sportsfield

Sports field lighting ...........................Parks – Sports field lighting

Taps .......................................................................Parks – Taps

Tennis courts ............................................Parks – Tennis Courts

Tracks/trails ......................................... Parks – Trails and Tracks

Trees .....................................................................Parks – Trees

Throwing circles ................................... Parks – Throwing Circles

Toilets .................................................................. Parks – Toilets

Turf .......................................................................... Parks – Turf

Viewing platform ................................. Parks – Viewing Platform

Volleyball courts ....................................Parks – Volleyball Courts

Water features .........................................Parks – Water features

Water supply .............................................Parks – Water supply

Water tanks .................................................Parks – Water tanks

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For informationP 1300 GOLDCOAST (1300 465 326) W cityofgoldcoast.com.au

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