St James Park master plan

• keeping the park as an area to exercise dogs off-leash
• emptying rubbish bins more often
• repurposing timber from old elm trees to create seats in the playground
• planting more trees on the western side of the playground to increase shade

• renewing the war memorial due to weathering
• investigating the installation of power outlets for dawn services and 3 flagpoles for commemorative ceremonies
• planting trees in the area in collaboration with Hawthorn RSL

• preserving the historic path layout
• gradually replacing the current path edging with recycled bricks to better suit the park's heritage
• auditing path lighting to ensure it meets Australian Standards

• upgrading and providing park furniture such as seats, picnic tables, bins and drinking fountains
• placing bins and bike parking hoops at main park entrances, wherever possible
• making a map to show locations and facilities around the park
• improving signage for public toilets
• designing interpretive signage to communicate the park's history

• keeping large, healthy trees for as long as possible
• planting more trees at:
  • the northern side of the main path 
  • the park boundary with Burwood Road
  • the western side of the playground
• showcasing the entrance at the corner of Barton and Denham streets with distinctive plantings
• widening 'ceremonial walk' garden beds and planting with a mix of native and exotic plants
• replacing end-of-life elms on the Southern Elm Avenue with the same species
• ensuring the irrigation system is watering efficiently
• keeping all garden bed locations but replacing plants with species that are resilient to climate change and suit the park's character

The southern green (also known as Charles Peters Green) was used as a croquet lawn before it was turned into a bowling green. It hasn't been used at all since 2011.

As part of the master plan, we're opening up the southern green for everyone. Our design reflects the space's historic use as a bowling green and features:

• a half basketball and netball court 
• barbeque and seating with views of the city
• sensory gardens opposite the playground
• fencing between the Hawthorn Bowls Club and the new park.

As these works are not currently funded by Council, we'll present the design to Councillors for consideration as part of a future Council budget.