Plans to construct a new community recreation space in Malak that the City of Darwin says will and transform the area, are now underway.

A total $3.5 million will be invested by the Darwin council into the project; $500,000 of which is allocated for the project’s initial stage.

The project is a top priority, the council said, and aims to be a regional playground with other recreational elements such as lighting, pathway, a car park and public toilets.

It would be between Malak Primary School and Malak Oval.

City of Darwin chief executive officer Simone Saunders said the aim was to create a recreation space where people of all ages and abilities can come together and interact.

“We want to create a safe, engaging and fun space that children, young people, parents, grandparents, carers and people of all abilities can enjoy,” Ms Saunders said.

“The project will be delivered across stages, starting with community engagement to understand the needs and aspirations of the community, as well as capturing the community’s longer-term vision for the space.

“Our aim is to make Darwin a safe, liveable and healthy city, and we are keen to deliver projects that activate and transform the amenity of our suburbs and bring our community together.”

The area surrounding Malak Oval has been proposed as the preferred location for the recreation space due to its proximity to transport corridors, schools, local amenities and other recreation and community facilities.

Waters Ward Multigenerational Recreation Space-map

The engagement process will include an online survey, community pop ups, stakeholder meetings and letter box drops, as well as a drawing competition for children.

Feedback received will inform the final location and guide the initial design of the space, which will be shared publicly in the first half of 2025. Construction of immediate works is expected to commence in dry season 2025.

The design will also be informed by City of Darwin’s Play Space Strategy 2023-2030, which has been developed off the back of an extensive engagement process, the council said, insights from which indicated the community want quality play spaces that cater to all ages and access requirements.

Engagement closes on Monday September 30, 2024. To have your say or to find out more about the project, visit engage.darwin.nt.gov.au/waters-ward-multigenerational-recreation-space