pl10 004 final barrack master plan report › sites › default › files › ... · 2.2 sport...

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I

1. INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Project Background 2 1.2 The Planning Process 3

2. THE STRATEGY 5

2.1 The Benefits of Sport and Recreation 5 2.2 Sport & Recreation Participation Trends 5 2.3 Council Policy & Strategic Impacts 6 2.4 The Funding Climate 6

3. THE SITE 8

3.1 Site Analysis 8 3.2 Open Space Context 14

4. THE PEOPLE 15

4.1 Demographic Analysis 15 4.2 Usage patterns at Barrack Community Recreation Precinct 16

5. THE FEEDBACK 18

5.1 Analysis of Survey data 19 5.2 Stakeholder Interview outcomes 20 5.3 Feedback from Community Exhibition Day 21 5.4 Feedback from McIvor Times Insert 21

6. THE ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES 23

6.1 Indoor Stadium 23 6.2 Stadium Concept Design 26 6.3 Swimming Pool Facilities 26 6.4 Playground 27 6.5 Public Toilet Facilities 29 6.6 Car parking 29 6.7 Passive Recreation Opportunities 29 6.8 Active Sporting Opportunities 30

7. THE RECOMMENDATIONS 31

7.1 Passive Parkland Space Recommendations 31 7.2 Active Sporting Space Recommendations 34 7.3 Community Hub/Stadium Recommendations 35 7.4 Swimming Pool Recommendations 36 7.4 Traffic Management and Car Parking Recommendations 37 7.5 General Recommendations 38

8. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 40

Appendix 1 Summary of interviews

i

Executive Summary The Barrack Community Recreation Precinct Master Plan is a strategic step forward for a principal community asset in Heathcote. Barrack Reserve and the surrounding open space is valued and well used not only by sporting clubs but by community organisations and residents alike. The Barrack precinct includes a diverse mix of sport and recreation settings within the heart of Heathcote. The site meanders between McIvor Creek and, in the main, McIvor Highway, and includes a mix of sports infrastructure and passive recreation space. It is the principal recreation precinct for Heathcote and surrounding areas and supports a diverse and extensive volume of community activity. An imperative for the master plan was that it enhance recreation opportunity and community engagement for people of all ages and abilities. Its scope and context recognises that the master plan must address matters beyond that of the Recreation Reserve, but rather strengthen the opportunities and diversity of settings that are afforded throughout the broader precinct. For this reason, a central tenet of the project, as guided by the community Steering Committee, was that the master plan be titled community precinct to acknowledge the broader range and impact of the space, beyond that of Barrack Recreation Reserve. A wide range of consultation and research activities have been deployed throughout the course of the project, which are summarised as follows:

– Distribution of a household survey to all residents in Heathcote and surrounding communities. A total of 1,700 surveys were distributed to examine current usage patterns, perceptions and opportunities for the precinct

– Interviews with key stakeholders, including community organisations, schools, Council representatives and other levels of government

– On site exhibition of the plan

– Draft master plan and feedback sheet included in the McIvor Times

– Review of population characteristics, projections and the resultant impact to sport and recreation demands for the area

– Interviews with each tenant sporting club to establish strengths and weaknesses of the precinct, current and anticipate usage patterns and opportunities for future development

– Review of the statutory and strategic planning context relevant to the precinct

– Assessment of physical buildings and settings throughout the precinct

– Assessment of the broader supply of recreation settings across Heathcote and the extent, or lack of, connectivity

ii

The following page provides the draft Master Plan for the Barrack Community Recreation Precinct. It describes in detail the recommended development for the site and has been prepared to reflect the outcomes of community consultation and research and direction described by the project Steering Committee. Implicit to master plan is that it aims to provide a diverse and quality mix of settings that support recreation and community engagement. Underpinning the master plan is therefore the impact of recreation to local communities. It provides a place for people to be physically active, strengthen social connections and to engage in community life. To this end, the master plan aims to maximise the opportunities for residents and visitors to experience a diverse range of benefits that come from participation. The scale of proposed works is considerable, and describes a total works program of an estimated $3,069,495. It is expected that works would fall across a 10 to 15 year implementation program that would be dependant upon the project’s capacity to seek funding contributions from a mix of State and Federal government programs, local contributions and fundraising efforts. Major recommended development works include:

1. Improve and extend walking trails, strengthening connections between residential areas and links with community meeting places. A key aspect of this is the development of the McIvor Creek Trail, incorporating directional and interpretative signage

2. Improve picnic facilities and seating to develop a consistent style to park furniture across the precinct and to maximise settings that encourage extended-stays to the precinct through social gatherings and use of open space

3. Reduce and improve fencing to maximise sightlines in an effort to unify the precinct and to highlight view lines to McIvor Creek

4. Improve and extend vegetation, taking into account n of a drought tolerant type

5. Improve sports surfaces with replacement and renovation program

6. Make significant improvements to the Heathcote Stadium to increase the opportunity for community use. Implicit to the redevelopment is that it provide a flexible and functional range of spaces that accommodate a range of community activities and groups that can benefit from the shared use of facilities.

7. Improve existing swimming pool facilities with shade, seating, change room renovation, technical upgrades to pool filtration system, water feature and fencing. Investigate options for an indoor heated facility with a specific feasibility study.

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Insert A3 colour master plan

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8. Improve and define car parking areas, providing a clear separation between traffic and pedestrian circulation areas.

9. Provide a consistent and defined presence along High Street through consistent landscaping treatments and management of senescing trees.

Implicit to the master planning process is that it has aimed to build a shared community vision. With this in mind, the Community Steering Committee has been the central and driving force behind the development of this vision. Each member of the committee has devoted considerable time and energy for the benefit of all current and future Heathcote residents, reflecting a genuine interest and passion for their community. This is a defining distinction of this project and reflect the important values and themes inherent with the +25 Heathcote and District Community Plan Testimony to the commitment of community representatives on the steering committee has been extent of debate that has emerged throughout the course of the project. There have been a number of challenging issues that have prompted debate within the community, each of which have elicited wide ranging and, on occasion, conflicting community opinion and are briefly summarised below:

– Development of an indoor, heated pool. This has been a long standing issue for many Heathcote residents. Each consultation activity raised significant community support for an indoor heated pool. In brief, the community seek to redevelop the existing outdoor facility. Some options raised throughout consultation have included roofing the existing pool to create an indoor facility, developing a hydrotherapy pool and undertaking a full redevelopment. Irrespective to the strength of community need, and recognising the significant capital and operational resources associated with aquatic facilities, this issue must be considered within the context of broader municipal supply of facilities, and the feasibility of the local market to support any development. For this reason, the consideration of any major aquatic development is required to be tested within the context of a specific feasibility study and it is outside the scope of this project.

– Relocation of the playground. Initial drafts of the master plan proposed the

relocation of the playground to the Barrack Street end of the Reserve, adjacent to the Information Centre, public toilets and sports ground. The relocation was proposed on the basis that: - it provided a public toilet amenity for parents with young children, as is acknowledged as a design best practice by the Playground and Recreation Association of Victoria (PRAV) - it connected the facility with other attributes in the vicinity, particularly the relationship to the sports ground to support spectators with small children as well as encourage play using both equipment and the oval (away from McIvor Highway) for families outside of sports use.

page v

- it provided an opportunity to enhance sightlines to the Creek system by removing play structures from its existing site, and - it would be timed in accordance with the eventual replacement of equipment. This option was met with significant resistance from the community with the key concern being the proximity of the playground to the public toilets and the risk of criminal behaviour. Whilst interviews with Heathcote Police have identified no evidence of this concern, it has prompted a definitive response from residents who participated in the planning process. For this reason, the Steering Committee agreed to leave the playground in it’s current location.

– Disused croquet green conversion. Heathcote Lawn Bowling Club currently use the

disused croquet green for overflow parking. The site is fully fenced, is unavailable for general public access and restricts sightlines to the McIvor Creek passive landscape. The Club report that it has a long term lease for the space and therefore consider its exclusive use of the site in keeping with this understanding. The initial master plan concept recommended that this area be opened up to enable public access and to assist to manage the surrounding site restrictions such as clearances around the Heathcote Stadium, parking during football competition and pedestrian connectivity across the site. Again, this issue has been met with resistance from the Lawn Bowls Club. It is currently used on occasion by the Bowls Club for parking and for storage of sand. The community committee discussed this issue and resolved to leave the croquet green fenced, to be used by the bowlers, on occasion for car parking. The Community Committee have driven this project and directly shaped the focus and context for this master plan. Their effort and contribution has been significant and they are individually acknowledged below:

– John Sheridan

– Greg Spiers

– Tania Malavisi

– Mary Dent

– Barry Cail

– Karl Kerschbaumer

– Liz Spillane

– Colin Stobaus

1. Introduction

The Barrack Community Recreation Precinct Master Plan has been developed as part of a positive community response to the development of the Heathcote and District +25 Community Plan. The Master Plan is specifically aimed at providing guidance to the local Heathcote community and Council on the most effective development opportunities to ensure Barrack Reserve remains a vibrant community hub as Heathcote continues to progress. The recommendations made in the plan reflect the results of an extensive consultation process with local community, user groups and other stakeholders such as Council and other community action groups. This document is broken into six key areas which build evidence and provide an analysis of data that has informed the recommendations in the plan. The four areas are;

The Strategic Context

An analysis of relevant documents and policy relating to the plan from a local government level and state government level. This also includes participation levels and national trends in participation in sport and recreation which may impact on the uses of Barrack Reserve.

The Site

This involves an analysis of individual facilities that are a part of the Barrack Reserve Precinct, focussing on conditions and usage as well as describing opportunities and constraints at the site and the context and connectivity the area has with the rest of the community.

The People

This section provides demographic information, specifically providing commentary on age groups and provides the latest forecasts in terms of expected population growth.

The Feedback

This provides an explanation of the results of consultation based on the 1700 person community survey, interviews with local groups, feedback from community exhibition day and the McIvor Times insert.

The Issues and Opportunities

This section provides an overview of issues and opportunities that need to be addressed based on the evidence collated from the previous sections of the plan.

The Recommendations

This section provides a detailed list of recommended improvements as stated in the Master Plan along with estimated costs and potential funding partners.

1.1 Project Background

Heathcote is a small rural township located approximately 40 minutes from Bendigo. The township represents the largest of Greater Bendigo’s rural districts. Barrack Reserve is located in the centre of Heathcote and is home to a range of organised sports including football, cricket, tennis and lawn bowls as well as providing open space parkland, playground and walking paths. The reserve includes the following community assets;

– Senior sized football and cricket oval with change rooms

– Bowling greens and a bowling club

– Passive parkland space with internal walking path network

– Outdoor swimming pool

– An indoor sports stadium

– Tennis and netball courts

– Playground, shelters and barbeque area

– Visitors information centre and public toilets

– A walking trail that follows the McIvor Creek

These facilities provide important assets for the Heathcote community and are used for a variety of sports, programs and general leisure pursuits by Heathcote residents. Recognising the value of the reserve and the need for a plan to be in place to ensure future improvements has been recognised by the local community and was the catalyst for the development of this project.

1.2 The Planning Process

The Master Plan has been developed using an agreed process of local consultation to identify needs and wants, analysed in the context of established statistical data with regard to participation and social trends in sport and local demographic information.

Consultation

Consultation and community engagement has involved the following components:

– Initial media releases in the McIvor Times and Bendigo Advertiser to ensure a raised community awareness

– A mailed out survey to 1700 local residents providing not only opportunity for feedback on how the Barrack Reserve Precinct is used but also providing information on the project to again educate local residents about what was being achieved.

– Interviews conducted with local user groups from Barrack Reserve

– Interviews with other key stakeholders such as the local Neighbourhood House

– Further media releases updating the public on the project

– Council report and presentation of draft plan to Council and further media release in McIvor Times regarding opportunity to provide feedback on the draft plan.

– Community Day at Barrack Reserve advertised in the McIvor Times, providing an opportunity for people to come and ask questions regarding the plan and discuss it with members of the working group and representatives from Council.

– McIvor Times insert providing opportunity to feedback on the draft master plan

Demographic and Recreation Data Analysis

An analysis of local demographic information, coupled with data on trends in recreation participation behaviours has also been undertaken as part of the project in order to provide a broader strategic context to any recommendations made. This has utilised Council’s demographic information and sourced information from the Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) conducted annually by the federal government.

Compilation of Draft Plan

A draft plan was developed showing proposed improvements or changes in the reserve precinct. This was presented to Council and promoted to the community for further feedback

Final plan and report

Taking into account feedback from community and stakeholders, a final plan and report were developed. This was then promoted in the community and again presented to Council, given Council will be an important partner in ultimately developing the reserve.

2. The Strategy

2.1 The Benefits of Sport and Recreation

The benefits and value of recreation underpins the context for the development of the master plan for the Barrack Reserve. It positions the value and impact of the project away from focusing upon the physical assets associated with the development to focusing upon the personal, community, economic and environmental benefits that come from participation in sport, recreation and community activity.

2.2 Sport & Recreation Participation Trends

Understanding trends is participation provides an important context, as it acknowledges the characteristics that encourage and restrict participation, the motivations for participation, and indeed evolving nature of participation trends. In brief some major participation patterns can be summarised as follows:

– There has not been any significant increase in sport participation over the past ten years. There has however, been involvement in a broader range of sport and recreation placing significant pressure on traditional options of sport and recreation.

– There has been a general decrease in participation of some traditional sports which continue to require a participant commitment over extended time periods. People are becoming more precious about their leisure time.

– Weekend sport participation is declining whilst weekday/evening participation is increasing.

– The most popular sports at present are those that can be undertaken at a time and place that suit the participant, for example, walking, swimming, cycling and aerobics.

– Long periods of sport time are being replaced by short scheduled periods (such as going to the gym) in order to suit the busy lifestyle.

– Alternative uses for open space, other than for sporting use, has markedly increased.

– The value of reflective environs and environs supporting indigenous flora and fauna has also emerged.

– The use of improved synthetic materials which reduce maintenance costs both in time and financial resources has markedly increased. Examples where synthetic surfaces are now accepted in sport include tennis, lawn bowls, hockey and soccer. Improved synthetic surfaces have allowed for facility use to be extended and more frequent.

– There is a trend for outdoor sport to be moving indoors so as to remove the impact of weather upon playing conditions.

2.3 Council Policy & Strategic Impacts

Council are an important community partner in the development of this master plan. It is appropriate to briefly describe how the master plan is reflective of relevant Council strategy. A summary of these connections is provided on the following page.

Bendigo Council Plan 2005-2009

The Council Plan broadly highlights the need for better land management practices, implementing water saving practices and maintaining and restoring natural assets. It focuses on increasing the accessibility and availability of public spaces.

+25 Heathcote and District Community Plan

Importantly the +25 project, which has been undertaken in all rural townships across the Greater Bendigo municipality, provided the philosophical approach to this master plan being driven by the community, with Council as facilitator and partner. The +25 project has espoused the approach of each community creating, writing and maintaining their own community plan and the Barrack Community Recreation Precinct Master Plan has continued to support this ethos. The +25 Community Plan directly references an immediate need to “improve and develop more community access to Barrack Reserve and surrounding parkland” and to “Develop a master plan for Barrack Reserve and surrounding area that considers all recreation amenities, including sporting and increased access for communal parkland.”

Bendigo Open Space Strategy

The strategy highlights the need for a focus on master planning for sporting and parkland reserves that are of particular significance to the community and notes the generally less than satisfactory condition of many major recreation reserves.

Community Access and Inclusion Plan

Overall aim is to provide better access to public facilities with a particular emphasis on providing access for people with disabilities to a variety of public facilities where Council has an interest.

2.4 The Funding Climate

Underpinning the success of the project is that the development of the reserve can be implemented within the context of available funding resources. With this in mind the success of the project will be dependent on:

The capacity of the project to secure Local, State and/or Commonwealth government funding sources. All tiers of government require a comprehensive plan of proposed development, supported by appropriate strategic planning.

– The capacity of the community, including Council and local community organisations (particularly those who will receive a direct benefit from the project), to contribute to the project, and

– The capacity of Council and community to broker partnerships with others who may benefit from the project. These may include;

- neighbouring councils - state government - the private sector - community organisations

The recommendation section of this report proposes a funding model that aligns funding sources (including government and community contributors) with specific works. It has been prepared with the understanding that the funding of the project does not rest with one entity. Rather the success of the project will be dependent upon a range of partners and financial contributors to come together.

3. The Site The study site encompasses the area commonly referred to as Barrack Reserve however it also recognises the site is connected to other hubs of community activity such as the commercial/retail node directly opposite the reserve, residential areas and areas of environmental significance. This section provides a detailed analysis of the site in a physical sense as well as providing recognition of the context of Barrack Reserve as the key recreation facility in Heathcote and its connectivity to other areas within Heathcote.

3.1 Site Analysis

Barrack Reserve has been developed over time to meet a many of club and community needs. Located in the heart of Heathcote, it provides a highly visible and accessible space for people to participate in a range of activity in a range of diverse settings. There are many examples of community investment throughout the site. Notably Heathcote Apex and Rotary have made important contributions to picnic furniture and playground equipment over the years. A site analysis was undertaken to provide detail on the usage and condition of each area of the reserve. The results of this are summarised on the following pages.

Table 1 Attribute Assessment, Barrack Reserve Community Precinct FACILITY DESCRIPTION USAGE PATTERN CONDITION ASSESSMENT CONSTRAINTS OPPORTUNITIES

Football/Cricket Oval, 1.1m high gal mesh fencing.

Seasonally used by Football and Cricket, also used by local schools for P.E. and school sports

Suffering from drought conditions Irrigation system in place is adequate Turf wicket becoming a major issue for cricket

Climatic conditions makes using water for broad acre irrigation a lower priority and accessing non potable supply for this site is difficult.

Consideration to investigate replacement of turf wicket with synthetic. Replace fencing when appropriate with black mesh to reduce visual impact. (Common approach across the entire site)

Outdoor Swimming Pool- includes 25 metre main pool and toddler’s pool, small kiosk, change rooms, plant room, shade structure, seating and some lawn space.

Open from 1st week in December to 3rd week in March. Usage figures indicate

The facility is dated with some minor improvement works having been completed over time to improve water quality and aesthetics. Generally infrastructure is in reasonable condition and some further improvements will improve swimmer comfort dramatically. Surrounds are pleasant however lack of shade is an issue.

Age of infrastructure limits capacity to increase programming Cold water pool limits the potential season Lack of trees and shade structures The facility is not apparent from the main street, effectively “turning it’s back” on the rest of Barrack Reserve.

Provide more shade with tree planting and at least one shade structure for the sole purpose of spectators (e.g. parents) Repairs to the pool will provide effective improvements to swimmer comfort. Solar heating may be an option to increase swimmer comfort Improvements should ensure the pool is integrated into Barrack Reserve and is more prevalent from the main road.

Table 1 Attribute Assessment, Barrack Reserve Community Precinct (Cont’d) FACILITY DESCRIPTION USAGE PATTERN CONDITION ASSESSMENT CONSTRAINTS OPPORTUNITIES Parkland – adjacent to highway. Includes seating, BBQ’s,

Used by residents and visitors as a passive recreation space. Used once a month for the Heathcote Market.

Some evidence of vehicular traffic in the area due to the monthly market. Issues with water and struggling to provide planted beds etc. Contains some historic elements such as quartz crusher which are isolated. BBQ shelters and seating is in varying condition and vary in design Provides main entry point for Indoor Stadium Issue with football ground gal mesh fence cutting through this area in order to stop people getting into football for free.

Space is at a premium within the park land between High Street and the oval. There is a need to make the interface between park and oval more permeable in order to see oval enjoyed as passive open space as well.

Opportunity to improve connectivity of the site with continuity of themes such as park furniture, e.g. common seating style, BBQ shelters to “connect” the site. Provide interpretation of historic elements and add to this theme Provide address to the indoor stadium

Indoor Stadium Stadium used by netball for competition, Taekwando Club for training

The Indoor Stadium is in reasonable condition however, support facilities are minimal. Run offs around the stadium do not meet minimum requirements for netball which is an ongoing issue. The other facilities

Additions to the stadium have been beneficial in the short term for a variety of functions but are now inflexible and cannot provide all the spaces required by a number of local groups who use or would use the space. Kitchen is in poor condition

Renovate and rebuild sections to improve flexibility and capacity to operate as a more genuine community hub.

Table 1 Attribute Assessment, Barrack Reserve Community Precinct (Cont’d) FACILITY DESCRIPTION USAGE PATTERN CONDITION ASSESSMENT CONSTRAINTS OPPORTUNITIES Lawn Bowls- 2 synthetic pitches, disused croquet green area used for car parking, clubhouse.

Used by lawn bowls club, 75-80 members also used by the local primary school as part of the P.E. curriculum.

The Lawn Bowls club has maintained the facility very well The club is strong and provides a clear social connection for a significant number of residents within Heathcote.

Restricted in terms of space to expand. Older demographic is not looking for traditional sports experience, moving toward more unstructured exercise options.

Drought tolerant surface in terms of synthetic grasses.

Tennis/Netball Courts- 6 plexipave courts, clubhouse

Use by both tennis (Summer) and netball (Winter) clubs,

Courts are cracking and need resurfacing

Car parking Used for all activities Car parking on the site is ad-hoc and disjointed. There is little to separate pedestrians from cars and cars can currently park anywhere in the reserve. The main car park is crushed rock with no delineated spaces. Car parking also exists on the old croquet green however access is restricted most of the time.

There needs to be a balance between trading open space within the park to service car parking within the reserve and the need to provide passive open space.

Formalising and sealing car parks will protect other open spaces and trees from future damage.

Table1 Attribute Assessment, Barrack Reserve Community Precinct (Cont’d) FACILITY DESCRIPTION USAGE PATTERN CONDITION ASSESSMENT CONSTRAINTS OPPORTUNITIES

Playground Accessible for community use Some equipment such as the “spinning egg” and custom slide are non compliant to AS playground standards. Equipment is of a varying age and some components need replacement.

Playground is “tucked away” slightly. It is located “behind” the stadium although overall the playground does front on to High Street.

Potential to relocates to ensure the facility connects more strongly with other activity nodes such as sports oval, BBQ facilities etc.

Walking Path Accessible for community use Generally the path is in reasonable condition however it is not wide enough to allow shared cycle/walking use in many places.

The pathways currently don’t connect to form a loop and there is no effective way of safely crossing vehicular access roadways with pedestrian paths.

Connection with creek trail to ensure the reserve is part of a network and also the creation of a loop for people wishing to exercise, walk the dog etc.

Cricket Nets- 2 cricket training nets

Used by cricket over summer, open for community use.

Nets are in poor condition and need replacement. Limited in where new nets can be positioned.

Replace and increase to three (3) nets

Change rooms Used by cricket and football Generally run down, possibly too small and in need of renovations.

The change rooms are dated and a little small. They are separated from the main building thus losing any opportunity for economies of scale.

Some capacity to expand if investment is made in the building

Table 1 Attribute Assessment, Barrack Reserve Community Precinct (Cont’d) FACILITY DESCRIPTION USAGE PATTERN CONDITION ASSESSMENT CONSTRAINTS OPPORTUNITIES Toilet block Public toilet at the rear of the

Tourist Information Centre Serviceable but could be much better with some renovation. Generally perceived as being in poor condition by the public

Capacity to improve- ultimately toilets should meet new Council guidelines for public toilets.

Tourism Centre Facility on the corner of Barrack and High Street

In good condition, well used and quite successful in promoting Heathcote.

Public toilets and BBQ’s nearby means travellers can rest and may stay a bit longer or use the local stores etc.

3.2 Open Space Context

The Barrack Community Recreation Precinct represents the key connection point for community recreation in Heathcote. The diversity of use at the site provides an important function in terms of creating an atmosphere of activity and participation. The reserve provides a connection to central Heathcote, complimenting the central business/retail precinct on the opposite side of the highway. Although the highway represents a major divider between the two areas, the walking path along the creek provides a connection to the reserve which then allows relatively easy access to shops, school, hospital and Council services. The strong connections with the community, the school, Shire Offices, Neighbourhood House, the community centre, sporting and public facilities, and playground equipment lends itself to be further developed within this framework of connectivity by utilising the McIvor Creek Trail to further connect the Golf Course and Showgrounds. The reserve represents a well maintained parcel of public open space where multiple passive and active recreation activities can occur. It is complimented by other facilities mentioned in the above paragraph but fulfils a unique function in the local community as a central, maintained park space, available for sporting use. The reserve is the hub for all surrounding recreation and community facilities and represents the iconic sporting precinct for the district. As the central park area and community hub for Heathcote, there is a clear linkage to improving the efficiency of the existing stadium/community centre to provide a more flexible and accessible space catering for a wider range of activities that capitalise on the central location of the reserve

4. The People

4.1 Demographic Analysis

The current population of Heathcote and District is estimated by the City of Greater Bendigo to currently be 3,392 people. Population growth over the next 23 year period is expected to be minor with an expected increase of 674 residents over this period for the entire district. A large proportion of Heathcote residents are between 50 and 74 which is indicative of a broader trend of an ageing population. This age group represents over 35% of the community while the age group of 20 to 44 year olds represent less than 20% of the community. Forecasts indicate that this trend will continue with an increase in the number of people over the age of 50 living in Heathcote. (see graph below)

Developments within the precinct will therefore need to be mindful of an older and aging population. Significantly, the increases in population will mainly be in the older age brackets with a significant jump at the point of 55 years of age, indicating perhaps that Heathcote is a lifestyle choice for retirees.

This gives some pointers toward the need to provide appropriate daytime activities for this cohort and to ensure that lower impact, unorganised recreation activities such as walking and cycling are well catered for. It should also be noted that, as the population ages, there is a trend toward more active, outdoor pursuits for older people. The full impact of this trend is yet to be measured over a significant time but the need to continue providing public open space for active outdoor pursuits is clear. Important also to note is a forecast growth particularly between 2016 and 2031 in the 0-19 cohort thus indicating the need to continue providing for junior sport at current or higher levels.

4.2 Usage patterns at Barrack Community Recreation Precinct

Survey results provided the following data on usage patterns at the reserve.

– Usage of the reserve was particularly high for walking with 28 respondents indicating they walked either on a daily or weekly basis

– The market was a popular activity on a monthly basis with 26 respondents indicating they came to this event.

– Football and Netball were the most popular of organised sports with 32 respondents indicating they participated on a weekly basis in these pastimes. It should be noted however that this survey was delivered in the football/netball season

– Taekwondo and Dance were also popular with 20 people indicating they used the stadium for these activities once a week.

– During summer, the pool rated highly with 38 respondents indicating they use the pool during the summer season.

Interestingly, even though a high number of retirees are basing themselves in the Heathcote district, there is no significant membership increases in participation in lawn bowls, a previously traditional sport for older people. This reflects national trends of older people away from this type of traditional, structured activity toward more unstructured participation and exercise such as aerobics/fitness classes, walking, cycling and swimming. Higher levels of participation are experienced in traditional sports of Australian football, netball and basketball which are well patronised by both juniors and adults.

The number of survey results received, whilst providing a broad indication of participation trends, do not provide a statistical basis from which to draw assumptions to participation demands. The Australian Sports Commission produces annual participation statistics for a range of sport and recreation activities. Known as the ERASS1 reports, they provide the necessary evidence to form a basic understanding of likely current and future participation demands for specific activities. They provide the average percentage of the population who will participate in various activities. The reports can discern specific rates of participation, based upon age, gender and State/Territory and, recognising that the reports are conducted annually, they provide evidence to the changing levels of participation over time. The following table lists selected activities, their participation rate and the increase/decrease in participation from 2001 to 2007.

Table 2 Victorian Participation in Selected Activities 2001 – 2006 (for people aged over 15 years)

Activity 2007 Participation

Rate (%) 2001 Participation

Rate % change 2001 -

2006

Walking 34.0 27.5 +6.5

Aerobics / fitness 20.8 14.8 +6.0

Cycling 10.7 12.1 -1.4

Swimming 11.3 13.7 - 2.4

Tennis 6.4 9.2 -2.8

Running 8.7 7.8 +0.9

Golf 6.8 9.3 -2.5

Football (soccer) 3.6 3.1 +0.5

Lawn Bowls 1.8 1.8 -

AFL Football 3.3 5.1 -1.8

Cricket 3.3 2.6 +0.7

Netball 3.8 4.4 -0.6

Current participation rates shown above highlight the dominance of informal recreation activities and more specifically, the number of people who will walk as a form of recreation activity. These are major features that will need to be addressed by the master plan.

1 Australian Sports Commission, Participation in Exercise, Recreation and Sport Statistics. The report provides participation

5. The Feedback Consultation for this project has been extensive and thorough and has included the following activities over a 6 month period.

– Initial media releases in the McIvor Times and Bendigo Advertiser to ensure a raised community awareness

– A mailed out survey to 1700 local residents providing not only opportunity for feedback on how the Barrack Reserve Precinct is used but also providing information on the project to again educate local residents about what was being achieved.

– Interviews conducted with local user groups from Barrack Reserve

– Interviews with other key stakeholders such as the local Neighbourhood House

– Further media releases updating the public on the project

– Council report and presentation of draft plan to Council and further media release in McIvor Times regarding opportunity to provide feedback on the draft plan.

– Community Day at Barrack Reserve advertised in the McIvor Times, providing an opportunity for people to come and ask questions regarding the plan and discuss it with members of the working group and representatives from Council.

– McIvor Times insert providing opportunity to feedback on the draft master plan.

5.1 Analysis of Survey data

Usage Rates

The mailed out survey was sent to 1700 households with 109 responses received, representing a 6.4 %return rate. Given the population mix in Heathcote being skewed toward an over 40 population, it is not surprising to find that 45 percent of all surveys were returned by retired or pensioner couples. Results from the survey indicated the following salient points;

– Usage of the reserve was particularly high for walking with 28 respondents indicating they walked either on a daily or weekly basis

– The market was a popular activity on a monthly basis with 26 respondents indicating they came to this event.

– Football and Netball were the most popular of organised sports with 32 respondents indicating they participated on a weekly basis in these pastimes. It should be noted however that this survey was delivered in the football/netball season

– Taekwondo and Dance were also popular with 20 people indicating they used the stadium for these activities once a week.

– During summer, the pool rated highly with 38 respondents indicating they use the pool during the summer season,

Perceived future needs

Key future needs identified through the survey are listed below. It should be noted that respondents could list more then one future need.

– Forty-four (44) respondents indicated a perceived future need for an indoor heated pool, specific reference was frequently made to a “hydro pool” and the distance people had to travel to access Bendigo facilities.

– Eighteen (18) respondents specifically saw a future need for a Gymnasium/Weights area as part of an upgrade to indoor facilities

– Twenty-nine (29) respondents more generally indicated a future need to upgrade/improve to an indoor community facility for a variety of functions

– Sixteen (16) respondents indicated that further walking/cycling trail improvements and extensions would be important

– Nine (9) respondents felt that any future Skate Park should be located in the reserve

Eleven (11) respondents indicated a future need for upgrades to general park furniture, lawn areas and improvements to general park land

Requested Improvements

– Forty (40) requests were made for the pool to be upgraded or an indoor heated centre to be established

– Twenty-seven (27) requests were made for improvements to the public toilets.

– Twenty-three (23) requests were made for improvement to the creek line or walking trails.

What did people not want to see in the Precinct?

Significantly, the most common response in this section (11) focussed on a skate park not being appropriate in this precinct. This was followed by Gaming Machines (7) and any reduction in the Park land overall (6)

5.2 Stakeholder Interview outcomes

A number of key stakeholder groups were interviewed to ascertain specific usage issues, the potential for increased or different uses and the potential for changes to provide for new user groups. As part of the overall consultation process, the following individuals and organisations were interviewed;

– Heathcote Cricket Club

– Heathcote Taekwondo Club

– Heathcote Tennis Club

– Heathcote Bowls Club

– Neighbourhood House Coordinator

– Heathcote Junior Football Club

– Heathcote Football Netball Club

– Heathcote Basketball Association

– Manager- Children Services, City of Greater Bendigo

– Officer- Parks and Natural Environment, City of Greater Bendigo

– Principal, Heathcote P.S.

– Barrack Reserve C.O.M. representative

– Program Coordinator- Boot Camp Fitness Program

Heathcote Community Pool Committee

Specific details taken from this interview process are provided as an appendix however a summary of key responses is provided below.

– Car circulation and car parking is an issue in terms of informal and unsealed spaces and access and egress.

– Generally sporting surfaces are in need of upgrade or replacement, particularly lawn bowls, tennis, basketball cricket.

– Access to water remains an issue

– Generally infrastructure is tired and needs replacement, from seating up to major rebuilding and renovations to stadium and pool.

5.3 Feedback from Community Exhibition Day

Approximately 30 people attended over the course of the Community Exhibition Day held on Saturday, October 11. General comments on the plan were as follows;

– Some concern over not making enough improvements to the pool

– Proposed event space is inappropriate due to noise from the main road

– Relocation of the playground is supported

– The master plan should consider a skate park

– Creation of more shade

5.4 Feedback from McIvor Times Insert

Twenty responses were received from the insert provided in the McIvor Times. This represents a two percent response rate based on the 1000 forms that were sent out. The feedback received at this point was based on the release of a draft plan aimed at prompting discussion from community based on what they liked or disliked about the proposed changes to the Barrack Precinct. The majority of feedback centred on two key aspects of the project. Firstly, the proposal to relocate the playground more centrally and closer to public toilet facilities was viewed as a poor option.

In total, thirteen (13) of the twenty (20) responses indicated that the idea of moving the playground near public toilets was a concern and many of those felt it was a critical issue that had not been addressed. Six (6) respondents indicated that the pool had not been adequately addressed and that further upgrades were required. Four (4) respondents also indicated their dislike for the concept of removing the croquet green from the control of the bowling club and giving it over to open space and common car parking Apart from this, very minor responses (2) indicating that an upgrade to public toilets had not been addressed and that the new fence reduced the space for the market to an impractical size were received. Interestingly again there was division in the community about the location of the skate park with three responses making comment. Two (2) responses were for a skate park in the Barrack Precinct, one (1) wanted to see it stay in its proposed location next to the Neighbourhood House, away from Barrack Precinct.

6. The Issues and Opportunities Barrack Community Precinct has a variety of pressures applied in terms of its use. Local community members have expressed the desire to continue to expand use as a passive reserve, whilst organised clubs want to be able to book and use open spaces for training and competition on a regular basis. Coupled with this is the need to accommodate current events such as the monthly market and other local events. Throughout the consultation phase, it also became clear that there are some key issues where various groups within the community diametrically opposed to specific opportunities for park development. The Skate Park is a clear example of this with equal and opposing views being expressed at every stage of the consultation with regard to the preferred location. Ultimately the decision to locate the skate park at another location was made independently of the master planning process. Barrack Reserve has the opportunity to be, and should be the open space and community hub for Heathcote. It is the central, open public space for the town with access to retail, community, education and health facilities as well as providing access to pedestrian pathways linking other recreation facilities. Barrack Reserve is also a park land with many community uses. It is important therefore to approach this plan from that perspective in the sense that no single group has greater control or access than another and that, ultimately the plan needs to reflect a whole of community approach to design and development. Based on the outcomes of the audit, demographic and trend analysis as well as consultation outcomes, the following conclusions have been drawn regarding a number of specific design points.

6.1 Indoor Stadium

There is a need to improve the stadium and associated facilities in order to provide for sport as well as create a facility that is welcoming and practical for a range of community groups. Issues with the current facility include;

– Limited capacity to host multiple events,

– Limited capacity to safely host basketball and netball with inappropriate run off areas

– Spectators have little space (if any) around the court area

– Poor design in terms of provision of community meeting spaces and social rooms for sporting and community groups

Lack of adequate change facilities

– Lack of spectator facilities (kiosk, public toilets)

– Poor condition of change rooms

It is also noted that there was significant request for the introduction of some type of community gymnasium (weights/aerobics) facility as part of any redevelopment occurring. This venue has the capacity to act as a community hub in terms of attracting numerous community organisations as tenants, creating an intensity of activity that can generate genuine community involvement and collaboration between groups. There is also a need to highlight this building and invest in it as an iconic community structure for Heathcote. From a design perspective, Community Hubs need to be welcoming, safe and create a sense of place. Embracing this approach, there is merit in ensuring that the building addresses the main road and that there is a more formalised and recognisable entry point into the facility. To address these points, some preliminary concept designs have been undertaken to try and accommodate these issues and create further opportunity for more extensive community use. These plans are provided on the following page.

6.2 Stadium Concept Design

This concept provides for a proposed first floor development and rebuilds much of the meeting room, social room, kitchen, kiosk and community meeting space in an effort to provide adequate spaces that are planned for specific functions and able to be large enough and flexible enough to cater for current and future uses. The curved wall creates a presentation to the main highway and also acts as a space for seating to accommodate spectators and make courtside areas safer for participants in terms of unobstructed run off. The facility provides new public toilets for spectators as well as accommodating a larger verandah for spectator shelter from both sun and rain. The verandah now continues up to the fence line. A larger function/programs room is planned for the ground floor area which would also be service internally by the kitchen kiosk. First floor provides for a social room development for sporting groups and other functions as well as two extra meeting spaces, one of which can be broken into three smaller meeting spaces to accommodate more community meeting space. Change rooms are renovated and connected to the main stadium structure with the introduction of umpires change facilities and a first aid space. Further storage for groups is also created. This concept is provided as an option only.

6.3 Swimming Pool Facilities

The need to upgrade the swimming pool facility has been the most common response from any type of consultation for this project. There is undoubtedly a strong community push toward an upgrade of the current cold water, summer use facility to a heated, all year round venue. The capital and operational costs associated with the installation of an indoor, heated pool are considerable. A modest indoor facility, even replicating the size of the current pool, would cost several million dollars and may require subsidy by Council in the order of hundreds of thousands per year.

Generally, a town requires a catchment of 30,000 people or more to ensure an indoor heated facility becomes viable and most regional and rural indoor pool facilities run at an operational loss, even when this figure is achieved. The design and resource implications associated with the introduction of an indoor heated pool are complex and should be the subject of further analysis. Council has also recommended a feasibility study be undertaken by the Heathcote Community Pool Committee. What is clear however is that the current facility is 50 years of age and in need of further improvements to enhance the aquatic experience and potentially extend the season by several weeks. Council undertook an audit of the facility in 2006 which highlighted a number of engineering based problems with the pool. The result of the 2006 report, coupled with the current audit has highlighted the following issues at the facility:

– Lack of shade

– Lack of seating

– Peeling paint in the pool shell

– Poor condition of the grating on the pool edge (brick edge is inappropriate)

– Lack of address to Barrack Reserve (buildings have “back” to park)

– Lack of any form of heating

– No first aid space

– Plant room is too small

– Change rooms are in poor condition

– Lack of leisure activities

These issues need to be rectified and a list of works based on this data is provided in the recommendations section. Overall the pool is sited in a picturesque location and provides an appropriate, local facility over summer for leisure based aquatic activity. Council has recently extended hours to provide 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. over the summer months.

6.4 Playground

The current playground has some components which do not meet current Australian Standards.

Initially, consultation with stakeholder groups and surveys provided an indication that the playground in its current location was not ideal. Given it is “tucked away” somewhat behind the stadium, concerns were raised that passive surveillance was compromised if carers went to a football match and children were accessing playground equipment out of sight on the other side of the stadium. When a new location was proposed that placed the playground in a more prominent location, closer to toilets, the football ground and tourism centre, there was generally a very negative response received with fears raised on the proximity of the playground to public toilets with the perception that this increased the risk of paedophilic or criminal activity. There are no statistics to support this claim, however there is clear resistance to moving the playground closer to toilets based on this perception. Heathcote Police have indicated that there is no evidence of criminal activity around this public toilet facility. Advantages in moving the playground include;

– Increase in passive surveillance

– Increased use by tourists

– Increased access to sporting field as further passive space

– Increased passing traffic along walking path

– Improved safety of equipment (Australian standard compliant)

The Good Play Space Guide released by the State Government in 2007 promotes safe siting of playgrounds, linking playgrounds into other activities and ensuring convenience to amenities.

6.5 Public Toilet Facilities

Second only to requests to improve the pool, were requests to improve public toilets on the site. The main public toilet is situated behind the tourist information centre, with a second set on the western side of the change room facilities. There is potential for some consolidation of public toilets on the site with and upgrade recommended to meet community expectations.

6.6 Car parking

Car parking and vehicular traffic management on the site was a significant issue given the intensity of car parking on football game days and for major bowls tournaments and the lack of cars at many other times. There clearly needs to be a balance between accommodating these more major events without converting too much open space parkland to car park land. There is also a need to delineate car parking areas to ensure pedestrians are safe in walking about the site, as well as providing protection to existing trees where root zones are currently being compacted by vehicles parking. Traditional parking around the football ground at match time will continue to occur so where practical, the delineation of space away from tree root zones should be incorporated. Traffic flow is also a current issue given most traffic enters and exits the site from the Barrack Street entrance. This needs to be addressed to ensure more appropriate access and egress points are provided to create a safer, less congested environment at those peak times.

6.7 Passive Recreation Opportunities

Given the aging population in Heathcote, it is not surprising to find that a significant number of respondents have requested upgrades and extensions which reflect the passive recreation opportunities within the precinct. These include upgrades to seating, shade, more trees, improved creek environ, less fencing and better walking trail network. Given the varying design and condition of park furniture in the precinct, the opportunity exists to create a themed approach to the installation of seating and other park furniture components to create a consistent image of the Barrack Community Precinct and address a number of the requests identified above.

A number of recommendations will be made that are aimed at improving the amenity of the park including further plantings, removal of weeds and exotic species with the creek area, extension of passive parkland, delineation of car parking areas to reduce impact from vehicles on natural environment, upgrades to BBQ/picnic areas and reduction of fencing. The improvements to a walking trail network in the precinct provide an opportunity to create strategic links to the existing creek path network and to other recreation and community facilities, as well as lead people to various activity nodes within the precinct itself. There was also discussion on the need for a hard stand performance space as part of the project however the Community Committee decided this was not a useful investment.

6.8 Active Sporting Opportunities

Based on the observations made and interviews held with specific users, there are a number of upgrades and improvements required to improve both participant and spectator facilities. Generally, facilities are run down, aging and suffering from a lack of maintenance. Several projects will be provided with the renovation and rebuilding of the main stadium and community space, providing new meeting rooms, renovated change spaces and new kiosk/kitchen. A number of sporting surfaces also need replacement or improvement including the following;

Tennis/netball courts: resurface in approx 5 years

Lawn Bowls: replace synthetic 1 within 18 months

Replace synthetic 2 within 5 years

Cricket: Replace nets

Replace turf wicket with synthetic

Football: Provide water and renovate surface

Basketball: Reseal stadium floor

Based on these issues and opportunities, a series of recommendation are made to reflect requested improvements and changes to address highlighted issues.

7. The Recommendations Based on the evidence collected throughout this study, a series of actions are recommended aimed at progressively developing the Barrack Community Recreation Precinct to deliver positive community outcomes into the future. Overall it is important to note that the recommendations move the precinct toward some broader aims which focus on creating a more accessible, more available, iconic community recreation asset. The recommendations are firstly described in detail and then provided as a table complete with costs, potential funding partners and responsibilities. The recommendations are also included in summarised form on the Landscape Master Plan.

7.1 Passive Parkland Space Recommendations

a. Improve and extend Walking Trails

Upgrade and widen existing path network, provide way finding signs and link existing path network to the McIvor Creek trail. Ensure circuit route is available for exercise.

b. Playground redevelopment

Based on community feedback, the community committee decided to leave the playground in its current location and simply upgrade the development over time.

c. Improve Picnic Facilities

Provide new BBQ shelters at each BBQ site and look to incorporate a new BBQ facility on the creek side of the main oval in order to attract more passive use of this area as parkland. BBQ shelters on the southern (highway) side of the oval should be incorporated as part of the fence line for the football oval to provide spectator shelter and also permeability of users outside of game time. (see detailed design below)

d. Improve Seating

Provide new seating at designated activity nodes for spectators, resting around walking path, picnic areas. Provide a themed approach to achieve consistency of

style. Provide feature seating walls behind goal areas of main oval for spectators and other users.

e. Reduce and improve fencing

Progressively aim to remove galvanised mesh fencing and replace with more appropriate darker materials. In particular, a design for the football oval main fence should incorporate sections that can swing back or slide back to create better connection with the parkland. (see design concept below)

f. Install Bollards

Install bollards where required to limit vehicle access. Provide removable bollards in appropriate locations to provide for emergency vehicle access

g. Vegetation

A succession plan for senescent trees on the site is required to ensure appropriate plantings are undertaken. A mix of exotic conifers and deciduous trees in the formal park area is recommended with indigenous plating along the creek reserve, to reflect existing natural and heritage landscapes.

h. Signage

Provide way finding signage as well as interpretive signage to showcase social, historical and environmental features of the reserve

i. Creek Environment

Enhance existing creek area by removing exotic plants and weeds and replanting with indigenous vegetation. Provide seating along pathway and link more strongly to the proposed BBQ area in this area

j. Public Toilet improvements

Demolish existing grey, small toilet block to the north of the main pavilion. Renovate existing toilets behind Tourism Information Centre.

7.2 Active Sporting Space Recommendations

a. Tennis/Netball Court resurfacing

Resurface outdoor courts within five year period. Cracking across surface is evident and this will require a new asphalt surface to be laid and appropriate coating for tennis and netball to be applied.

b. Tennis court seating and shade

Provide additional seating in shaded area. Remove redundant timber posts from former post and rail fence.

c. Bowling Green replacement

Replace Synthetic 1 within 18 months and synthetic 2 within 5 years

d. Replace Cricket Nets

Replace existing cricket nets with three new cricket nets. Retain in current location. Provide back net to reduce potential for balls to be hit into a passive park space. Allow for extension to existing swimming pool change rooms to create storage for bulky/heavy equipment for cricket club.

e. Replace turf wicket with synthetic wicket

Given the cricket club involvement in the Emu Valley League and the ongoing lack of water and capacity to provide a safe turf based wicket, the competition pitch should be converted to synthetic. This should then be covered in winter with the synthetic grass covers now available.

f. Reseal stadium floor for basketball

Reseal floor and implement an advised maintenance program for resealing to ensure floor is kept in optimal condition.

g. Demolish unused Angling Club rooms

7.3 Community Hub/Stadium Recommendations

a. Rebuild community based facilities (ground floor)

Demolish and rebuild the key community facilities including kitchen/kiosk, social/function room, public toilets, storage rooms, first aid room, umpires change room and renovate existing change rooms.

b. Create a presence to address High Street

Provide an address to present to High Street through architectural treatment of the external wall as well as the introduction of a “Stadium Entry Plaza” providing a clear point of entry into the building. This would include feature paving and planting, seating, drinking fountain, signage and lighting.

c. Create new spectator space in sport stadium

Develop a skillion extension to the existing sports stadium aimed at providing spectator space and providing safer participation through improved run off areas with the removal of spectators from up against the sidelines.

d. Develop foyer and reception space

Provide foyer and reception space to entry of building to allow users to navigate facility and congregate when required. Ensure this is a welcoming and engaging environment.

e. Construct wider verandah

Develop a new, wider verandah addressing the main oval, in order to provide shelter for spectators from both rain and sun.

f. Provide service and emergency vehicle access

Ensure access is maintained to the side of the facility where service and emergency vehicles can access the venue easily.

g. Develop first floor community meeting space and viewing area for spectators

The development of a first floor elevated viewing space for sports would also be used as a series of community group meeting spaces. This would allow people to overlook both the basketball court area as well as the outdoor sporting spaces. Meeting rooms would be flexible in size to meet requirements of a variety of groups.

7.4 Swimming Pool Recommendations

a. Increase shade with tree plantings and built shade structures

b. Renovate change rooms

c. Technical upgrades to pool

a. Remodel pool surround (grating and brick deck)

b. Replace concourse

c. Replace pipes and connections to pool as required

d. Extend plant room

e. Increase filtration capacity

f. Replace hypo tank within the next three years

g. Install auto chemical controllers for chemical feed

h. Install backwash tank and connect to irrigation system

i. Repair joints in pools and repaint

j. Investigate heating opportunities as part of feasibility study

d. Provide further seating

e. Provide a water play feature in the toddlers pool

f. Replace galvanised fencing with black mesh fencing

g. Provide deterrent for ducks fouling pool water and concourse

7.4 Traffic Management and Car Parking Recommendations

a. Reconfigure main reserve access and egress

Create primary reserve vehicle access off Herriot Street with a formal gateway structure. Reserve entry should be clearly signed from Herriot Street and High Street. Gateway design should reference the character of the precinct and Heathcote. Maintain Barrack Street as secondary point of access and egress.

b. Provide car parking spaces in reserve for swimming pool.

c. Formalise and seal car park between community hub and lawn bowls

Seal and line this area as the main car park for the reserve. This design should include strong pedestrian protection and links to the lawn bowls, community hub and sports oval areas.

d. Promote car parking in Herriot Street

Provide signage, street trees and highlight car park in Herriot Street to ensure these parks are used when others are full. Provide easy pedestrian access from Herriot Street to the lawn bowls club.

e. Allow for informal car parking around oval however delineate using surface treatment or other to stop vehicles compacting root zones of trees.

f. Provide additional car parking in Barrack Street

On the eastern side of Barrack Street, provide additional car parking spaces by indenting angle parking (29 spaces). On the western side, provide long vehicle spaces for buses and caravans

7.5 General Recommendations

a. Present and Interpret Quartz Crusher

Provide more visually permeable barrier and some interpretive signage to connect the piece with the history of Heathcote. Potentially investigate other pieces of historical machinery that could be installed to help tell a story of Heathcote’s history.

b. Provide outdoor facilities for Visitor Information Centre

Provide new picnic tables and seats around tourist information centre to service tourist needs.

c. Install Reserve Gate

Allow for the development of a structure to provide for gate fees to be taken on game days and to present the “entrance” to Barrack Reserve.

d. High Street Frontage

Remove much of the pine bollard post and rail system and replace with quality bollards similar to centre road system. Review all street tress and replace on reserve side with a feature species that will grow under powerlines (suggest under grounding powerlines in the long term) such as Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’, a tall narrow tree in the centre median (e.g. Pyrus ‘Capital’) and a medium sized evergreen on the southern side of High Street (e.g. Eucalyptus mannifera ‘Little Spotty’) Improve signage to create a theme which is easily identifiable for the Barrack Community Recreation Precinct.

8. Implementation Plan The following pages provide a table of works in the form of an implementation plan. The implementation plan is prioritised but not broken into years given it is expected that works will be dependent on funding opportunities and political environment. It is expected that the plan would take at least five years to implement. Works are prioritised as 1, 2 or 3 with “1” being a higher priority. This program of works does not commit any funding body and should be used as a guide only. Table 3 Draft Implementation Plan, Barrack Precinct Community Recreation Master Plan

Recommendation Intent and detail Estimated Cost Potential Funding Partner Priority

(“1” is higher)

PASSIVE PARKLAND RECOMMENDATIONS

WALKING TRAILS Upgrade and widen existing path network, provide way finding signs and link existing path network to the McIvor Creek trail. Ensure circuit route is available for exercise.

$257,740 – State Government- DPCD Minor Facilities Scheme

– Council – Regional Development Victoria

1

PLAYGROUND REDEVELOPMENT

Redevelop playground as required to meet Australian Standard and incorporate other pieces in new design.

$74,310 – Local Community organisations – Council

3

PICNIC FACILITIES Provide new BBQ shelters at each BBQ site and look to incorporate a new BBQ facility on the creek side of the main oval in order to attract more passive use of this area as parkland. BBQ shelters on the southern (highway) side of the oval should be incorporated as part of the fence line for the football oval to provide spectator shelter and also permeability of users outside of game time

$203,600 – Local Community organisations, – Council, – Committee of Management

2


(“1” is higher) IMPROVE SEATING

Provide new seating at designated activity nodes for spectators, resting around walking path, picnic areas. Provide a themed approach to achieve consistency of style. Provide feature seating walls behind goal areas of main oval for spectators and other users.

$75,920 – Local Community organisations, – Council, – Committee of Management 2

REDUCE AND IMPROVE FENCING

Progressively aim to remove galvanised mesh fencing and replace with more appropriate darker materials. In particular, a design for the football oval main fence should incorporate sections that can swing back or slide back to create better connection with the parkland.

$66,553 – Council, – Committee of Management

2

VEGETATION

A succession plan for senescent trees on the site is required to ensure appropriate plantings are undertaken. A mix of exotic conifers and deciduous trees in the formal park area is recommended with indigenous plating along the creek reserve, to reflect existing natural and heritage landscapes.

$37,300 – Council

2

SIGNAGE Provide way finding signage as well as interpretive signage to showcase social, historical and environmental features of the reserve

$12,300 – State Government- DPCD or DSE – Council – Local Community organisation

2

CREEK ENVIRONMENT

Enhance existing creek area by removing exotic plants and weeds and replanting with indigenous vegetation. Provide seating along

$157,250 – Friends of McIvor Creek Group – Environmental groups

1


(“1” is higher) pathway and link more strongly to the proposed BBQ area in this area

– Council (Community Grants- Environment)

– DSE – Parks Victoria

PUBLIC TOILET IMPROVEMENTS

Demolish existing grey, small toilet block to the north of the main pavilion. Renovate existing toilets behind Tourism Information Centre.

$15,000

– Council

2

TOTAL PASSIVE PARKLAND $ 899,973

ACTIVE SPORTING SPACE REQUIREMENTS

TENNIS/NETBALL COURT RESURFACING

Resurface outdoor courts within five year period. Cracking across surface is evident and this will require a new asphalt surface to be laid and appropriate coating for tennis and netball to be applied.

$100,000 – Council – Tennis and Netball Clubs – DPCD- Minor Facilities or Country

Football Netball Grants Scheme

2

TENNIS COURT SEATING AND SHADE

Provide additional seating in shaded area. Remove redundant timber posts from former post and rail fence.

See “Improve seating” above.

(expected to be $11,500 of this

amount)

– Council (Community Grants- Recreation) – VicHealth – Tennis Club

2


(“1” is higher) BOWLING GREEN REPLACEMENT

Replace Synthetic 1 within 18 months and synthetic 2 within 5 years

$150,000 Synthetic 1 $180,000 Synthetic 2

– Heathcote Bowls Club – DPCD- Minor Facilities Grants Scheme – Council

Synthetic 1- Priority 1

Synthetic 2- Priority 3

REPLACE CRICKET NETS

Replace existing cricket nets with three new cricket nets. Retain in current location. Provide back net to reduce potential for balls to be hit into a passive park space. Allow for extension to existing swimming pool change rooms to create storage for bulky/heavy equipment for cricket club.

$60,000 – Cricket Victoria – Heathcote Cricket Club – Council

1

PLACE TURF WICKET WITH SYNTHETIC WICKET

Given the cricket club involvement in the Emu Valley League and the ongoing lack of water and capacity to provide a safe turf based wicket, the competition pitch should be converted to synthetic. This should then be covered in winter with the synthetic grass covers now available.

$12,000 – Cricket Victoria – Heathcote Cricket Club – Council

1

RESEAL STADIUM FLOOR FOR BASKETBALL

Reseal floor and implement an advised maintenance program for resealing to ensure floor is kept in optimal condition.

$4,500

– Heathcote Basketball Association – Council – Committee of Management

1

TOTAL ACTIVE SPORTS $506,500


(“1” is higher)

COMMUNITY HUB/STADIUM RECOMMENDATIONS

REBUILD GROUND FLOOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Rebuild community based facilities (ground floor) Demolish and rebuild the key community facilities including kitchen/kiosk, social/function room, public toilets, storage rooms, first aid room, umpires change room and renovate existing change rooms.

0 (architect estimate only)

– DPCD- Major Facilities Grants Scheme – Council – Local user groups – Committee of Management

2

CREATE A PRESENCE TO ADDRESS HIGH STREET

Provide an address to present to High Street through architectural treatment of the external wall as well as the introduction of a “Stadium Entry Plaza” providing a clear point of entry into the building. This would include feature paving and planting, seating, drinking fountain, signage and lighting.

$147,120 – DPCD- Minor/Major Facilities Grants Scheme

– Council – Local user groups – Committee of Management

2

CREATE NEW SPECTATOR SPACE IN SPORTS STADIUM

Develop a skillion extension to the existing sports stadium aimed at providing spectator space and providing safer participation through improved run off areas with the removal of spectators from up against the sidelines.

$450,000 (architect estimate only)


2

DEVELOP FOYER AND RECEPTION SPACE

Provide foyer and reception space to entry of building to allow users to navigate facility and congregate when required. Ensure this is a welcoming and engaging environment.

$180,000 – DPCD- Major Facilities Grants Scheme – Council – Local user groups – Committee of Management

2


(“1” is higher) CONSTRUCT WIDER VERANDAH

Develop a new, wider verandah addressing the main oval, in order to provide shelter for spectators from both rain and sun.

$120,000 – DPCD- Minor/Major Facilities Grants Scheme

– Council – Local user groups – Committee of Management

2

PROVIDE SERVICE AND EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESS

Ensure access is maintained to the side of the facility where service and emergency vehicles can access the venue easily.


2

Develop first floor community meeting space and viewing area for spectators

The development of a first floor elevated viewing space for sports would also be used as a series of community group meeting spaces. This would allow people to overlook both the basketball court area as well as the outdoor sporting spaces. Meeting rooms would be flexible in size to meet requirements of a variety of groups.

$500,000 – DPCD- Major Facilities Grants Scheme – Council – Local user groups – Committee of Management

2

TOTAL STADIUM/HUB $1,773,620

SWIMMING POOL RECOMMENDATIONS

INCREASE SHADE WITH TREES AND STRUCTURES

$15,000 – Council 1

RENOVATE CHANGE ROOMS

$40,000 – Council 2


(“1” is higher) Remodel pool surround (grating and brick deck) $120,000 – Council 1 Replace concourse $80,000 – Council 1 Replace pipes and connections to pool as required $15,000 – Council 1 Extend plant room $25,000 – Council 3 Increase filtration capacity $30,000 – Council 3 Replace hypo tank $5,000 – Council 1 Install auto chemical controllers $4,000 – Council 1 Install backwash tank and connect $6,000 – Council 1 Repair joints in pools and repaint $40,000 – Council 1

TECHNICAL UPGRADES TO POOL

Investigate heating opportunity as part of feasibility study $10,000 – Council, local committee 1 PROVIDE FURTHER SEATING

$5,000 – Council 2

PROVIDE A WATER PLAY FEATURE IN TODDLERS POOL

$20,000 – Council 2

REPLACE GALVANISED FENCING WITH BLACK MESH

$15,000 – Council

2

PROVIDE DETERRENT FOR DUCK FOULING POOL WATER AND

Investigate possible systems to implement – Council

3


(“1” is higher) CONCOURSE

TOTAL SWIMMING POOL $430,000

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND CAR PARKING RECOMMENDATIONS

RECONFIGURE MAIN RESERVE ACCESS AND EGRESS

Create primary reserve vehicle access off Herriot Street with a formal gateway structure. Reserve entry should be clearly signed from Herriot Street and High Street. Gateway design should reference the character of the precinct and Heathcote. Maintain Barrack Street as secondary point of access and egress.

$40,000 – Council

1

PROVIDE 6 CAR PARKING SPACES IN RESERVE FOR SWIMMING POOL

$900 – Council

3

FORMALISE AND SEAL CAR PARK BETWEEN COMMUNITY HUB AND LAWN BOWLS

Seal and line this area as the main car park for the reserve. This design should include strong pedestrian protection and links to the lawn bowls, community hub and sports oval areas.

$159,120 – Council

2


(“1” is higher) PROMOTE CAR PARKING IN HERRIOT STREET

Provide signage, street trees and highlight car park in Herriot Street to ensure these parks are used when others are full. Provide easy pedestrian access from Herriot Street to the lawn bowls club.

$40,000 – Council

2

ALLOW FOR INFORMAL CAR PARKING AROUND OVAL

$20,000 – Council

1

PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CAR PARKING IN BARRACK STREET

On the eastern side of Barrack Street, provide additional car parking spaces by indenting angle parking (29 spaces). On the western side, provide long vehicle spaces for buses and caravans

$110,000 – Council

1

TOTAL TRAFFIC AND PARKING $370,020

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENT AND INTERPRET QUARTZ CRUSHER

Provide more visually permeable barrier and some interpretive signage to connect the piece with the history of Heathcote. Potentially investigate other pieces of historical machinery that could be installed to help tell a story of Heathcote’s history. (Price includes 2 new pieces in addition to crusher)

$28,000 – Council (tourism) – Committee of Management

3


(“1” is higher) PROVIDE OUTDOOR FACILITIES FOR VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Provide new picnic tables and seats around tourist information centre to service tourist needs.

$2,500 – Council

2

INSTALL RESERVE GATE

Allow for the development of a structure to provide for gate fees to be taken on game days

$20,000 – Council 2

HIGH STREET FRONTAGE

Remove much of the pine bollard post and rail system and replace with quality bollards similar to centre road system. Review all street tress and replace on reserve side with a feature species that will grow under powerlines (suggest under grounding powerlines in the long term) such as Lagerstroemia ‘Tuscarora’, a tall narrow tree in the centre median (e.g. Pyrus ‘Capital’) and a medium sized evergreen on the southern side of High Street (e.g. Eucalyptus mannifera ‘Little Spotty’) Improve signage to create a theme which is easily identifiable for the Barrack Community Recreation Precinct.

$87,300 – Council

2

TOTAL GENERAL $137,800

TOTAL COST $4,117,913

Appendix 1 Summary record of interviews with Stakeholder Groups

Heathcote Cricket Club- 50 members Nets are in poor condition Part of the Emu Valley League, want to swap to hard wicket to reduce watering and this is the accepted surface for the league Kitchen is need of renovation More storage areas are required More rooms for multipurpose use in the stadium Upgrade of toilets is required Accessibility issues need to be addressed Heathcote Taekwondo Club Heathcote Tennis Club Maintenance required on Tennis club rooms Provide appropriate run off areas for both tennis and netball in this space Court surface will require resurfacing within the next five years Heathcote Bowls Club- 80 members Major concern is dust from parking areas- request sealing of car park Need to replace one of the synthetic greens within 18 months to 2 years Have approximately 5 years life in the second synthetic Have a lease arrangement over the disused croquet green which is fenced and used for car parking overflow for tournaments. The club has indicated this area is essential for ongoing parking needs. Neighbourhood House Representative Would like to see the Master Plan for McIvor Creek reinvigorated Bendigo +25 plan is attempting to get groups to work more collaboratively After School Kids Club uses stadium on occasion Potential for stadium to be more well used by community groups in Heathcote In the process of looking at a University of the Third Age group in Heathcote (U3A) Heathcote Junior Football Club- 130 Members No storage No place for memorabilia Not enough ventilation in toilets Kitchen requires upgrade Junior Netball is part of this club as well for past three years Heathcote Football Netball Club- 200 members The club uses social rooms on site for their bar and teas after games Also use the RSL hall for other functions such as the Ball and presentations

Kitchen needs upgrade Car circulation is an issue Water is an issue Public toilets are an issue Children accessing playground behind stadium is a surveillance issue Heathcote Basketball Association- 80 seniors, 87 juniors Lighting in stadium is unreliable Floor needs resealing Not enough space in the sports area Cleaning is an issue- vents in wall have no covers Currently have a shared meeting space Manager, Children Services, City of Greater Bendigo To deliver a viable child care facility, demand needs to be as high as 75 places, no immediate or medium term expectation of new facilities being required. Officer- Parks and Natural Environment, City of Greater Bendigo Park furniture is old, damaged and needs replacement Wishing well is damaged and dangerous and should be removed Park fences need to be replaced; chainmesh and colourbond are not suitable Review activities held in the park as some are not appropriate and cause too much damage Consider bus parking in Barrack Street Principal, Heathcote Primary School Approximately 100 enrolments down from 170, four years ago Expected to decline to 95 next year Use the reserve and Hall for Phys Ed Partner with Bowls club for school program Would use pool more if available Term 1 and 4 Barrack Reserve C.O.M. representative Generally the stadium is fully booked on evenings, daytime use is minimal Aim to keep fees at minimum Irrigation system is twenty years old Program Coordinator- Boot Camp Fitness Program Use is one day per week and two nights per week inside stadium 15 people participate in the Taekwondo Room 20+ people in Basketball area from end of June Gym alternative for local residents Programming includes older adult classes and other options which begin to create a more active community hub approach.

Heathcote Community Pool Committee Driving improvements toward a new or upgraded pool As a minimum want a pool that is open all year round The optimum for this group is an indoor heated facility with hydrotherapy Strong community support Want to undertake a feasibility study

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