Knox Park Master Plan

The draft Knox Park Master Plan uses Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to make the park safer, by increasing opportunities for casual surveillance and activating the park by encouraging greater use.

This is achieved primarily by opening vistas through the park, increasing accessibility, reducing opportunities for concealment and provision of new facilities which will increase visitation. 

The draft Knox Park Master Plan proposes a number of major elements including:

An entry plaza with seating and shade at the Brisbane/Wollumbin Street corner - to provide a prominent entry to Knox Park and a welcoming, functional space for residents and visitors. This area could include public art and civic structures such as a clock tower and community notice board. The bus shelters and seating will be upgraded to encourage the use of public transport. The plaza will require the removal of a small number of car parks.

A boulevard and avenue tree planting extending into the park from the entry plaza. Shaded seating is proposed along the length of a wide and accessible pathway which could accommodate weekend or night markets.

Relocating the existing playground to the heavily treed area in the centre of Knox Park.

Constructing a single, centrally located toilet facility. The dated toilet facilities in Brisbane Street and Nullum Street will be demolished and replaced with a modern facility fully compliant with current access requirements.

An educational wetland and botanical area with signage surrounding the pond to inform the public about the area's ecological design and the environmental benefits. The pond will be reconfigured to allow for access to the central island, along with decking and shelters.

An adventure playground using existing mature trees for shade and designed to engage children in imaginative play that interacts with the natural surroundings. Play elements will cater for a wide age range, from toddlers to teenagers, in different play areas. Construction of the playground will require selective thinning of existing vegetation and raise the tree canopy to accommodate the facility and provide sight lines through the park.

Picnic shelters and barbecue facilities next to the adventure playground and an open grassed area for play, to encourage more family and group participation. The plan also allows for a large shelter for community use such as yoga or group meetings.

A youth precinct skate plaza to replace the dated skate facility, including an events stage and shelter with power and lighting.

A half basketball court next to the skate plaza, to provide an additional facility for youth, along with informal seating.

A large central open space for big events such as a travelling circus or World Environment Day. The space links to a permanent stage structure for music or showcase events.

An entry plaza on the Condong Street - Nullum Street corner, connecting Knox Park to nearby schools and residential areas. This will link to the central spine path and encourage access through the park and increase passive surveillance.

Residents will have a chance to view and discuss the Knox Park Master Plan with Council staff, during a display at the Tweed River Festival on Saturday 9 November 2013.

This year's Tweed River Festival family day will be staged at Murwillumbah's Budd Park from 3.30pm to 9.30pm, and Council officers will be on hand to discuss the Knox Park Master Plan from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

Camel humps, spines, hubbas and a dwarf door are among the suggestions for features at a proposed new skate park at Murwillumbah's Knox Park.

Many skaters, BMX riders and scooter riders offered their ideas for the facility when a Youth Skate Event was staged at Knox Park's existing skate park on Saturday 3 August.

Click here to add your comments about the skate park.

Skateboarding Australia representative Dylan McNamara, St Josephs Youth Service coordinators and Murwillumbah skating identify Tony Lawrence combined with Council's Youth Development Officer, Sylvia Roylance, to stage the event and encourage community feedback about a new skate park and an adventure playground for the central Murwillumbah location.

"We had a fantastic crowd of young people at the skate park, with many taking advantage of tuition provided by Dylan and enjoying the food and music provided by St Josephs," Ms Roylance said.

"The feedback we received during the day will be really valuable in designing the skate park and adventure playground."

An information stand at the event included images about similar parks in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, following a tour by Council officers and Tweed skaters.

Suggestions for the new skate park also included a large and small bowl, a street section, a foam pit and a euro gap.

"Participants at last weekend's event provided some well-considered input, with a number of people offering to assist with the planning and upgrade," she said.

"Planning will continue until the end of January 2014 and we will work with a number of groups and individuals to ensure the skate park and playground meet community needs."