The playground
Retained along the western, irregular boundary where permanent equipment has the least effect on the flexible central space.
An Alternative Proposal
A competing proposal for the same recreation footprint
This is not a description of what exists today. It is an alternative concept put forward for consideration alongside other proposals — reusing approximately the same recreation footprint, but reorganised so that far more of the community can use it.
Side by side
Approximately the same ground — a combined reference activity area of roughly 2,050 m² — arranged for many uses instead of one.
The proposal retains the existing recreation footprint while converting it into a flexible community precinct. The former 40 × 40 metre bowls area becomes a clearable multisport hardcourt containing four adjoining pickleball courts, with convertible small-sided basketball and netball use. The adjoining 30 × 15 metre football area supports teen, adult and junior football and can be divided using movable fencing for ages 6–9 and 8–12 programmes. Sports equipment and internal fencing can be removed so that the same areas support markets, concerts, outdoor movies and community events.
The footprint as it stands
- Bowls area of approximately 40 × 40 metres
- Football area of approximately 30 × 15 metres
- Children's play and landscaped area along the irregular western edge
What this proposal offers instead
- One flexible hardcourt and community event area
- A football area divisible by age, ability and attendance
- The playground retained and improved along the western edge
- A permanent covered stage and screen at the northern end
Site context
The precinct does not sit in isolation. The existing tennis courts lie immediately to the north-west, the clubhouse buildings and the estate parking area sit along the north-eastern and eastern boundary, and the golf course and estate open space wrap the southern and eastern edges beyond the perimeter planting. The diagrams show these neighbouring features greyed back in their current positions so the proposal can be read against the surroundings people already know. None of them are altered by this proposal: access, parking and boundary landscaping stay as they are.
The bowling area becomes the flexible hardcourt
The bowling green is removed and its approximately 40 × 40 metre footprint becomes the main hardcourt and community event area. The pickleball courts form one compact four-court complex; internal fencing and nets can be removed when the hardcourt is needed for larger activities. The basketball hoop and the netball post sit at opposite ends of the upper court areas, so those areas convert into compact basketball and netball courts once the relevant pickleball nets are removed.
- Four adjoining pickleball courts
- Removable perimeter and divider fencing
- Single-hoop basketball for one-on-one or three-on-three
- Single-post small-sided netball
- Yoga, Pilates, aerobics and fitness programmes
- Community markets and exhibitions
- Removable audience seating for concerts and outdoor movies
The football area is retained and redesigned
Football stays an essential part of the precinct. Movable fencing, portable goals and removable divider nets let the area serve different age groups and programmes rather than one fixed configuration.
- A larger teen and adult football area
- A smaller junior football and training area
- A flexible younger group for children approximately 6–9
- A flexible older junior group for children approximately 8–12
- Recreational volleyball on a removable net with discreet overlapping markings
What stays fixed
Paths, lighting and landscaping
Circulation routes, perimeter planting and lighting stay in place and double as emergency routes on event days.
Stage, screen and storage
A covered stage at the northern end with lockable storage for removable nets, goals, fencing, chairs and event equipment.