The Authority, in association with the University of Canberra, Tait Network, Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres and Dionysus, conducted the Haig Park Experiments in 2019 as a first step towards the revitalisation of this city park. Testing short-term actions recommended in the place plan, the experiments comprised 26 transformational temporary activations, events and installations between June and December 2019.
With a strong focus on community, activity and sustainability, the experiments provided new, interesting and enjoyable ways for almost 30,000 people to experience, view and understand the park. They demonstrated that Haig Park can and must be a place for people; becoming a vital space for public life that provides greater health and wellbeing outcomes for the community.
View the Haig Park Evaluation summary here.
The Haig Park Experiments set out to:
“Welcome” invited new and past users back into Haig Park by refreshing key areas of the park’s infrastructure, supported by playful small-scale public activities.
“Discover” encouraged new types of participation in Haig Park through larger-scale infrastructure experiments such as a temporary events pavilion, nature play activities, and events that inspire Canberrans to rediscover the seasonal beauty of winter.
“Celebration” continues to build upon the work of the previous two phases with large event experiments which coincide with the arrival of the warmer months. More experiments will be added here as they occur.
The Haig Park Experiments successfully increased visits and activity in Haig Park and helped change how people use, experience and view the park. Some of the most notable outcomes were:
Community and stakeholder feedback and site observations have informed a range of recommended actions that have helped make the vision for Haig Park a reality. These actions include improvements to park facilities, events delivery, community engagement and park management.
* Improve the standard of park maintenance to create a more habitable environment that meets the needs of the growing local community.
Haig Park is a significant landscape feature of Canberra, dating from the founding years of the National Capital. It demonstrates the early establishment of plantings in the city for protection from climatic extremes and for landscape beautification. The Park is particularly significant for its designed function as an extensive urban ‘shelterbelt’, or windbreak, from dust-laden north-westerly winds. It was planted to protect the first buildings constructed in north Canberra at Civic and in the newly developing suburbs of Ainslie, Braddon and Turner.
For more information, click on the link here.
We are currently supporting a program of events, and implementing staged infrastructure improvements for Haig Park based on the recommendations,
outcomes and success of the experiments. These actions will provide social and environmental sustainability outcomes for the city. The program of events and activations will be delivered with the lead support of the University of Canberra, along with Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres and Dionysus. It will build on those activities that proved most successful during the experiments. Activations will range from small-scale activities that encourage everyday regular routines, temporary interventions that entice the community to spend time in the park, and larger scale seasonal and drawcard events that celebrate the park’s unique identity and drive visitation. This is expected to develop into an annual events program.
We will retain and reuse the facilities and infrastructure from the experiments that were well received by the community, including the nature play, bike track, seating, signage and public art. The Authority is also currently planning infrastructure improvements. These improvements will build on the findings of the experiments report, the Haig Park Place Plan and community feedback received during previous rounds of consultation, including addressing community concerns about safety and visibility in the park.
Improvements include:
The infrastructure improvements will conserve and respect the important heritage values of Haig Park, while supporting gatherings, events and activities that are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
The program of events and infrastructure improvements will adopt the same iterative approach as used in the development of the Haig Park Place Plan. We will collaborate with the community and key stakeholders throughout the design process to build on their ideas, skills and knowledge of the park. A process of evaluation and feedback will be maintained so the community and stakeholders can continue building a strong sense of belonging and ownership to achieve the vision for Haig Park.
View the Haig Park Experiments Summary here.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.