Stirling Linear Park
Linear parks can be difficult places to plan for. Although they are managed by councils with limited resources, there are often ambitious expectations placed on these areas by the community and other stakeholders in terms of recreational activities and environmental conservation.
The Stirling Linear Park in the Adelaide Hills Council is no exception. In 2005, Council engaged URPS to provide a vision, objectives and actions for the future improvement and management of the park. In addition, the plan needed to provide clear guidance on the types of recreational activities considered appropriate within the park while also promoting actions to ensure that adequate facilities are provided to support these activities.
A cornerstone of the plan is the belief that environmental conservation and recreational activities are not mutually exclusive. The environmental analysis undertaken early in the project was therefore used to clarify whether the recreational threats to the environmental values of the park were real or perceived.
At the same time, there was recognition that Council has a broader responsibility to provide appropriate recreational opportunities that reflect community expectations. The integration of environmental measures with the recreational needs of the community was then reflected in the Vision for Stirling Linear Park and the Guiding Management Principles. This approach delivered a planning solution that will ensure a balanced approach for the future management of the park.