The people have Narromine have spoken. They think some of the facilities at Dundas Park are in poor condition. 

Narromine locals say the toilets, canteen and soccer clubhouse are all in poor or very poor condition. The feedback is part of a survey conducted by Narromine Shire Council as they look for community input into the re-development of a Precinct Plan for Dundas Park.

The Precinct Plan, the council says “is an aspirational and strategic plan which aims to guide future funding applications and on-ground works” at Dundas Park.  

Narromine Shire Council manager Jane Redden told the Western Plains App that the previous councillors had discussed the amenity upgrades at the park and that they had acknowledged this precinct “has a facility that is in need of some repairs”.  

The survey showed that people did like many aspects of the park in particular the skate park, the playground and the shady trees. 

Ms Redden said all of this is helpful as councillors were keen to understand what the community thought about upgrades to the facilities and general park area at both Dundas and Payten. 

Survey respondents have specifically asked for a new clubhouse, development of toilets, a bigger canteen, a bigger storage shed and shelter for spectators. They also indicated they want more shaded settings, more parking areas, upgrades to skating facilities, more bins and more lighting at the park. 

The council is now asking for more community feedback about the park. 

“It is important that the community needs are reviewed and Council’s community strategic plan outlines the framework for this,” Ms Redden explained.

“This park in particular is one of the most popular in the Shire, is on an entrance to town and is an important sport and recreation hub. 

She says community views are an important part of any strategic planning. They are considered along with the direct engagement, service requirements, legislation, affordability, long term maintenance among other considerations. 

ABOVE: How Dundas Park may look in the future. Image: Narromine Shire Council 

Presently there are two models - a plan A and plan B for the park, and the council is looking for guidance as to which one people prefer.  

“The main differences are the location of the toilets, street closure versus street calming and the type of recreation equipment to be installed. The feedback will be important to determine what we imaging will be a compromise between plan A and B”. 

Following the consultation period a strategy including priorities will be developed so that upgrades can be rolled out as funds become available.

"If everything was undertaken at once we would expect the cost to be many millions of dollars so some items will need to be prioritised," Ms Redden said. 

If you want to your say on the future of Dundas Park visit here.