Phase 1 community engagement included multiple opportunities to shape the design of the new open space at the former Gordon Bowling Club.
Over 13 August to 10 September 2025, community members were able to provide input via:
- Online survey
- Interactive planning tool
- Sharing stories and photos
- Submiting written feedback
- Expression of interest form (for sporting and recreating groups)
This consultation stage focused on gathering community feedback about ideas and wants, local site knowledge that could affect use and design, and social history from locals' perspectives.
Phase 2 community engagement consisted of a community event at the former Gordon Bowling Club site held on 22 November 2025, from 10am to 1pm.
The event included three 'design walk' slots, where Council staff took small groups of participants around the site and discussed the history, constraints, and opportunities of the site.
Community members were also able to provide written feedback at the session.
What you love about the site
You value the large, flat, open green space - a rare asset in our residential area - along with the mature trees, natural bushland character, and quiet, accessible location. You see enormous potential for this underutilised space to become a community hub whilst respecting its peaceful setting.
What needs improvement
The site is significantly underutilised, with a derelict clubhouse, lack of basic amenities (toilets, seating, drinking fountains), poor maintenance, drainage issues, and no organised activities or clear purpose.
Your top facility preferences
1. Sports facilities – Tennis courts were most requested, with strong support for pickleball, basketball/netball courts, multi-purpose synthetic fields, and cricket nets
2. Community spaces – Community gardens, off-lead dog park, and open event space
3. Family facilities – Children's playground (ages 5–12), teenage activity spaces, picnic areas with barbecues, and shaded seating
4. Essential amenities – Clean toilets, drinking fountains, proper lighting, and adequate parking
What's missing in Gordon / Killara?
You identified critical gaps: lack of facilities west of Pacific Highway, difficulty booking tennis courts, shortage of basketball/netball courts, limited community gathering spaces, and need for better age-inclusive facilities from children to elderly residents.
Important considerations for co-design
Your feedback highlighted key factors: poor drainage in the north-eastern corner, limited parking and access, steep terrain, and the heritage pine tree. You emphasised the need for balance between active sports facilities and quiet green space, whilst respecting the residential setting and maintaining natural character.
In summary
You want a multi-functional community hub serving all ages—from toddlers to seniors—with particular focus on tennis/sports facilities, community gardens, dog areas, and family amenities.
Following the completion of Phase 3 consultation, Council staff will use the findings from the co-design workshops to prepare a draft masterplan for the site. The draft masterplan will be placed on public exhibition in spring 2026 (Phase 4), giving the broader community a final opportunity to provide feedback before the plan is formally adopted by Council.
Once adopted, elements of the masterplan will be progressively implemented over the coming years, guided by budget, available resources, and community priorities.
Larger or more complex elements such as major facilities or built infrastructure will be subject to further community consultation before works proceed. This will ensure that detailed design and proposed uses are shaped with ongoing community input, and that the final outcome truly reflects the needs of the Gordon and Killara community.
Stay connected to this page for updates as the project moves forward.
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