Inner north play space

Project status: In progress

How you had YourSay

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback on the proposed inner north play space. This engagement closed on Tuesday 14 December 2021.

We received 570 pieces of feedback in total via the online survey, kids’ corner, email and social media. We heard that there is strong support for an inclusive play space that caters to all ages and abilities and is well connected to and integrated with surrounding facilities and services.

A What We Heard Report which summarises the key themes from the consultation is now available.

What’s next?

Feedback from this first stage of engagement will help shape the future stages of this project including the draft design for the new inner north place space.

Updates will continue to be provided via this page.

Site selection

Learn more about why the Watson site was selected as the location for the new inner north destination play space.

Learn more
Have YourSay

Complete the survey and share photos of what you would like to see in the new play space and park.
Tell us what's important to you and help shape the future design plans.

Survey now closed
Kids' corner

We want to hear from Canberra kids!
Tell us what would you like to see in the new inner north play space.
Post a drawing or short story.

Kids' corner now closed

We are looking at

The ACT Government is committed to delivering a new destination play space for the inner north through upgrading the green space adjacent to Canberra Technology Park Watson, to provide a wider range of outdoor recreation opportunities for inner north residents of all ages and abilities.

The ACT Government will retain responsibility for the green space adjacent to Canberra Technology Park in Watson, which is anticipated to be sold to the Academy of Interactive Entertainment in two stages. The community green space comprises approximately 22,152 square metres of land at the site's north-eastern side, bounded by Windeyer Street, Burton Street and A'Beckett Street.

An upgrade of the green space is proposed to provide modern outdoor recreation opportunities and deliver on the 2020 election commitment to deliver a destination style play space in the inner north.

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment will provide a significant contribution towards the replacement of two existing tennis courts with two multi-purpose courts. This is within the terms of the direct sale deed.

The design for the inner north recreation park and play space will be informed by community input. Your feedback will shape the future upgrade including the variety of recreational facilities and play opportunities on offer.

The new inner north recreation park and play space could feature play elements with shade, exercise equipment, grassed areas, nature play, water play, furniture, path connections, drinking fountains, trees and green corridors that connect with other areas of the site.

The community recreation parks in Franklin and Crace are examples of what's possible in Watson.

The new inner north recreation park and play space will provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to play outdoors, catering to nearby schools and childcare centres and attracting residents from a large catchment.

The future design plans and upgrade will also take into account existing and future community facilities and services within the surrounding area, including the garden city cycle route, and ensure they are well linked.