Project background

In 2021/22 we engaged with the community alongside JPE Design Studios on a draft masterplan for Woodlake Reserve, located at 32 Frederick Road, West Lakes. The purpose of this consultation was to inform us of what the community might like to see in future reserve improvements. Using the feedback received, our landscape designers created a concept plan for the upgrade, and a budget proposal was submitted in the 2023/24 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget to seek funding to deliver the Woodlake Reserve improvements as per the concept plan, this financial year. This budget proposal was endorsed by Council for delivery this financial year (2023/24).

What you told us

We received 61 responses to the engagement about what you might like to see in this location. Your feedback was used to inform a draft masterplan, for consideration by staff in future reserve upgrade proposals. In December 2021, we wrote to you to share the outcomes of engagement and the masterplan’s key features. If you missed these results, they can be viewed in full in the Asset Management Committee Decision Report (15 November 2021, Item 4.73) or a summary can be viewed on the Woodlake Masterplan Consultation and Background page.

What features are included in the upgrade?

Key features as provided for in the below, final concept plan include fencing, a small, all-ages nature play & agility area, new pathways, picnic shelters and seating, and planting of vegetation and trees in support of increased canopy cover and urban cooling.

In addition, an irrigation upgrade is scheduled in 2024/25 following completion of construction of the new features, to green and beautify the reserve.

What next?

The local area and previous participants of consultation were notified of the final plan for the reserve improvements mid-June 2023 once the budget had been approved. Any comments received following this notification were referred to the design team prior to detailed design and procurement and minor modifications may be made as a result.

The Woodlake Reserve Upgrade project is scheduled for construction in early 2024. We will provide advance notice to adjacent residents and visitors via signage on the reserve before any upgrade works start.

What features could not be included in the final plan?

Some features requested by the community were not able to be achieved within the scope of the project (due to strategic direction or budget). This included drinking fountains, toilet facilities and a BBQ. However nearby Tiranna Reserve (250 metres away on Tiranna Way, West Lakes) provides access to toilet facilities and drinking water. We will also investigate the future provision of a BBQ at Tiranna Reserve, given the complimentary facilities there that encourage/allow for a longer stay.

For the 'Fur Babies'

We heard that an enclosed dog park was supported by some locals for a place to run their dogs off-lead, however this was not supported due to the nearness of alternative, enclosed dog parks and due to feedback from other consultation participants. You can exercise your effectively controlled dog, off-lead, at this reserve provided you are not within 5 metres of a playground if people are present. If you're after a nearby, fenced area to socialise your dog or let them run freely, 'Semapaw' Park (corner Military Road & Edwin Street, Semaphore Park) is well suited for this purpose and has been earmarked for expansion in the 2023/24 year also.