The City of Stirling has revealed which local parks could receive major facelifts over the next five years under a new priority system.
The council agreed on Tuesday night to consider a new priority list for park upgrades, alongside a newly developed public open space framework.
Major upgrades planned for three parks
According to a council report, major upgrades are set for three parks, starting with La Grange Dongara Reserve in Innaloo in 2027-28, followed by Pycombe Worthing Reserve in Westminster in 2028-29 and Tony Marcon Park in Nollamara in 2029-30.
These major upgrades are typically valued at around $1 million and involve either a new community park or a substantial redevelopment of an existing park to deliver new facilities and amenities based on community needs.
Minor upgrades also on the cards
Floribunda Park in Mirrabooka and Hancock Karabli Reserve in Nollamara are set to be the first parks to receive upgrades, with minor works already scheduled for the 2026-27 financial year outside the new five-year program.
The draft 2026-27 parks and environment capital works budget includes $900,000 for local and community park upgrades.
Minor upgrades in the City of Stirling typically involve a refresh of an existing community park, improving access, amenity and recreational facilities, and are usually valued at up to $300,000.
Three other minor park upgrades are planned across Stirling over the next five years.
These are Copley Park in Mt Lawley and Antonio Scarfo Reserve in Stirling in 2030-31, followed by Dog Swamp Reserve in Yokine in 2031-32.
Framework addresses urban growth pressures
The new list and framework was developed in response to a proposal from Cr Tony Krsticevic in May 2025.
According to Stirling officers, the framework takes into account ongoing urban growth and the increasing pressure on public open space across the city due to higher-density development.
“As infill developments and urban renewal projects occur across the city, many of the areas traditionally made up of large blocks and single houses are gradually replaced by higher-density areas,” their report said.
“This shift in dwelling type increases the housing density while subsequently decreasing the amount of (public open space) available and accessible to each person. In some areas, this is already occurring.”
The framework also took into account the socio-economic status of areas and existing and proposed tree canopy cover.
Groundwater management a key consideration
Stirling officers said groundwater management was also a key consideration in developing the park priority list.
By July 2028, the city will face a 10 per cent cut to its groundwater allocation due to new State Government restrictions aimed at conserving water in the Gnangara Mound superficial groundwater aquifer.
“These reductions will have a significant impact on the ongoing sustainability of the city’s park networks,” the council report said.
“The five-year forward works program therefore seeks to future-proof local and community parks, ensuring they continue to provide recreational, social and environmental benefits under reduced water availability.”
More than 20 other reserves and parks have been flagged for minor works beyond the five-year program, including Jackadder Lake Reserve, Stirling Civic Gardens and Ron Stone Park in Menora.
The program is expected to remain flexible and responsive to the final budget allocation approved each year, with each upgrade having implications for the city’s ongoing operational costs.
