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.
Consultation involved 43 community members who participated in our co-design workshops held on 7, 9 and 23 March 2026. Each session began with a presentation from Council's Senior Landscape Architect, covering the project background, site conditions and constraints, and the range of activities that could potentially be accommodated on the site.
Participants then worked in three small groups to prioritise activities and features and map out their preferred layout, before coming together as a whole group to share their ideas and work toward a shared vision for the site. The workshops were a great success, providing valuable insights to help Council staff shape the next stage of the project.
While there were varying views on some matters, there was also strong agreement on many aspects - giving the project a solid foundation to move forward. Based on the three workshop summaries and consolidated plans, some very clear and consistent themes emerge across all participant groups and workshop sessions. The feedback demonstrates a strong preference for transforming the former bowling club into a multi-functional community open space that balances recreation, social connection, and informal green space.
Across all three engagement phases, the community emphasised the importance of retaining open green space while providing a range of sporting and community facilities.
In Phase 1 and 2 engagement, the community also noted gaps in the Gordon and Killara area. This included a lack of facilities west of Pacific Highway, difficulty booking tennis courts, a shortage of other sporting areas, limited community gathering spaces, and need for better age-inclusive facilities from children to older residents.
Key priorities specifically raised during the Phase 3 co-design workshops were a playground, community garden, dog off-leash area, picnic shelters, seating, a multi-use court, junior soccer, circuit path, and upgrade of the existing clubhouse building.
Once the final Masterplan is adopted by Council, 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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