Case Studies
Howard Springs Nature Park

Design Feature

Type of project
Placemaking

State
Northern Territory
Location
Rural
Howard Springs Nature Park is a community park close to Darwin and Palmerston. It is a place where visitors can walk, relax, explore and cool off.
In 2009, the Northern Territory Government committed $3 million to redevelop the Park as a major tourism and family destination. The renovation included constructing shallow rock pools and viewing platforms, picnic facilities and a children’s adventure playground. Work was completed in October 2012.
A place to cool off
To help inform and guide redevelopment, a Local Management Committee was established in 2009 comprising community and stakeholder representatives. The committee was appointed to assist with the rejuvenation of the park and to oversee that developments had a strong community and conservation focus. A community survey undertaken by the committee in 2010 strongly supported the view that the park should remain a natural resource for future generations with a focus on community and environmental education. As such, the committee worked to ensure these outcomes and provide a park that is valued, well-used and protected.
To maintain a family-friendly park with a strong connection to water, upgrades delivered a constructed waterfall cascading into series of shallow artificial rockpools to provide a cooling waterplay experience for visitors. A naturally-landscaped adventure playground was constructed to encourage children to explore nature, socialise and challenge their physical skills.
The park provides a destination for visitors and locals to walk, relax, explore and cool off. It’s a place for all members of the community to enjoy picnics and barbeques and view aquatic wildlife, such as barramundi and turtles.
Shade was recognised as an important characteristic of good public open space. This guided the installation of shade structures to cover the rockpools, which facilitates use across seasons. Picnic and barbeque facilities and a group shelter promote community use of the park, and a new ablution block and a large viewing platform over the waterhole round out the redevelopment.
The redevelopment respects the Park’s long history of connection to community and family. The Park has always been an important recreational area for families, particularly those with young children. Having endured many changes over time and with considerable investment in infrastructure, the community continues to use the Park for recreation, education and relaxation.
Project team
  • Parks and Wildlife Commission NT
  • The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
  • Howard Springs Local Management Committee

Project Cost
$3 Million
Health value
  • Fun, games and challenges for children of all ages in the nature-based adventure playground.
  • Physical and mental health values to the community from recreating and relaxing in nature and green space.

Economic value
  • Boosting tourism/visitation to Howard Springs area.
  • Small business opportunity through concessions and private operation such as food vans and adventure tourism.

Environmental value
  • Opportunity to engage people in conservation through positive experiences in nature.
  • Incorporating greenery.

Social value
  • Opportunities for social connection/engagement through being a destination for community and family groups.
  • Increasing community participation and advocacy in conservation.

Use value
  • Providing a natural venue for tourism, recreation and community enjoyment.
  • Providing opportunities/access to engage in healthy behaviours including walking, water play and exploring the adventure playground.

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