Samson Park Masterplan

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The Samson Park Masterplan is dedicated to preserving the park’s unique bushland character and enhancing community amenities, help us get it right.

Sir Frederick Samson Memorial Reserve (Samson Park) is the most significant bush reserve in the City of Fremantle, cared for by community custodians and well-used by dog walkers, families and nature lovers. Previously the property of the Armed Forces during WWII, the bushland space that makes up the reserve was taken over by the Fremantle Council in 1971 and was officially vested in the City of Fremantle in 1985. Located in the City's easternmost suburb of Samson, this recognised Bush Forever site has two substantial segments of remnant Jarrah, Marri and Tuart woodland that once dominated the Fremantle region. In addition to the abundance of endemic native plants, this reserve is also home to over 50 bird species, reptiles, and bats. The grassed area that dissects the park is also a popular recreation spot, featuring a fenced children’s playground, BBQ facilities, a basketball court and small toilet block.

To ensure that Samson Park continues to meet the needs of our growing community and provide a connected and inclusive place for all users, as well as protect and maintain the ecological health of the bush, the City has allocated a significant budget over a flexible period of 1-4 years to develop two key documents which will guide all proposed upgrades to Samson Park.

These documents are known as the:

  • Management Plan – The role of this document is to develop deep insight into the park's past, current and projected environmental conditions, informing and outlining a robust plan with target actions for improvement. The Management Plan will incorporate contemporary policies, best practices, and public feedback to support conservation and management efforts by the City and community groups. It will ensure the park’s ecological health while guiding the concurrent development of the Samson Reserve Masterplan 2025-2035.
  • Masterplan– The role of this document is to detail where changes will occur on the site, where different activities will be focused, and how the targeted actions outlined in the Management Plan will be implemented. The Masterplan will be informed by the insights and strategies outlined in the Management Plan, along with community feedback.

To create these documents, the Place and Projects, Natural Areas and Urban Forest and Community Engagement Teams will work collaboratively to engage the community in the visioning process. Public feedback gathered will inform the Masterplan and Management Plan for the park, with the overall aim of the project to enhance the ecological and social fabric of the park and ensure the continued success of this vibrant and sustainable community space.

Samson Park Masterplan aims to:

  • Establish a clear vision for the park and bushland.
  • Improve drainage systems for better functionality and ecological health.
  • Enhance accessibility, amenities and recreation in line with conservation best practices.
  • Improve educational experiences, wayfinding, and signage for visitors.
  • Acknowledge the park’s cultural and heritage value.
  • Strengthen social and ecological connections and promote sustainability.

How can the community influence the project?

We are asking the public to:

  • Learn more about the scope of the Samson Park Masterplan project by exploring the Frequently Asked Questions and explainer documents listed below.
  • Find out more about the unique value, history and ecology of the park via the Samson Park Fact Sheets.
  • Share your thoughts on how you currently use and what you love about Samson Park by completing the Samson Park Masterplan Survey.
  • View the associated materials, talk to City officers and provide feedback in person at the Samson Park Community Drop-in Session (details below).

How can you meet with City Officers to discuss the park upgrade and your feedback?

  • Attend the drop-in session: Drop-in sessions allow the public to meet with City staff to ask questions about the project, seek clarification and guidance on how to best submit feedback. These are informal sessions that allow the public to come and go during the time period provided. To learn more, visit our How We Engage page here.

Join our Samson Park community drop-in session at the following date and time:

  • When: Saturday 30 November 2024
  • Where: Samson Park - picnic area near the BBQs (look for the City of Fremantle flag)
  • Time: 9am - 12pm

City Officers aim to:

  • Work with the community to gather personal experiences about their interaction with the park, to identify key areas for improvement and prioritise amenity upgrades that best suit their needs.
  • Raise public awareness of the unique ecological status of Samson Park, encourage community participation and environmental stewardship, as well as emphasise the park's value to a new and wider audience via the engagement process.
  • Work with the community to collect thoughts on the current park layout, highlight any issues experienced and suggest focal points where further improvements to amenities could be made if more funding becomes available.
  • Keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and provide feedback on how public input influenced the project.
  • Work with you to ensure that your concerns and aspirations are noted; provide clarity on questions that may arise.

How can you make your submission?
Submissions can be submitted online via the submission form below, or:

A hard copy of the survey can be sent or picked up upon request by emailing the Community Engagement team here: communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

Stage 1 Engagement Submissions close on 15 January 2025.

The Samson Park Masterplan is dedicated to preserving the park’s unique bushland character and enhancing community amenities, help us get it right.

Sir Frederick Samson Memorial Reserve (Samson Park) is the most significant bush reserve in the City of Fremantle, cared for by community custodians and well-used by dog walkers, families and nature lovers. Previously the property of the Armed Forces during WWII, the bushland space that makes up the reserve was taken over by the Fremantle Council in 1971 and was officially vested in the City of Fremantle in 1985. Located in the City's easternmost suburb of Samson, this recognised Bush Forever site has two substantial segments of remnant Jarrah, Marri and Tuart woodland that once dominated the Fremantle region. In addition to the abundance of endemic native plants, this reserve is also home to over 50 bird species, reptiles, and bats. The grassed area that dissects the park is also a popular recreation spot, featuring a fenced children’s playground, BBQ facilities, a basketball court and small toilet block.

To ensure that Samson Park continues to meet the needs of our growing community and provide a connected and inclusive place for all users, as well as protect and maintain the ecological health of the bush, the City has allocated a significant budget over a flexible period of 1-4 years to develop two key documents which will guide all proposed upgrades to Samson Park.

These documents are known as the:

  • Management Plan – The role of this document is to develop deep insight into the park's past, current and projected environmental conditions, informing and outlining a robust plan with target actions for improvement. The Management Plan will incorporate contemporary policies, best practices, and public feedback to support conservation and management efforts by the City and community groups. It will ensure the park’s ecological health while guiding the concurrent development of the Samson Reserve Masterplan 2025-2035.
  • Masterplan– The role of this document is to detail where changes will occur on the site, where different activities will be focused, and how the targeted actions outlined in the Management Plan will be implemented. The Masterplan will be informed by the insights and strategies outlined in the Management Plan, along with community feedback.

To create these documents, the Place and Projects, Natural Areas and Urban Forest and Community Engagement Teams will work collaboratively to engage the community in the visioning process. Public feedback gathered will inform the Masterplan and Management Plan for the park, with the overall aim of the project to enhance the ecological and social fabric of the park and ensure the continued success of this vibrant and sustainable community space.

Samson Park Masterplan aims to:

  • Establish a clear vision for the park and bushland.
  • Improve drainage systems for better functionality and ecological health.
  • Enhance accessibility, amenities and recreation in line with conservation best practices.
  • Improve educational experiences, wayfinding, and signage for visitors.
  • Acknowledge the park’s cultural and heritage value.
  • Strengthen social and ecological connections and promote sustainability.

How can the community influence the project?

We are asking the public to:

  • Learn more about the scope of the Samson Park Masterplan project by exploring the Frequently Asked Questions and explainer documents listed below.
  • Find out more about the unique value, history and ecology of the park via the Samson Park Fact Sheets.
  • Share your thoughts on how you currently use and what you love about Samson Park by completing the Samson Park Masterplan Survey.
  • View the associated materials, talk to City officers and provide feedback in person at the Samson Park Community Drop-in Session (details below).

How can you meet with City Officers to discuss the park upgrade and your feedback?

  • Attend the drop-in session: Drop-in sessions allow the public to meet with City staff to ask questions about the project, seek clarification and guidance on how to best submit feedback. These are informal sessions that allow the public to come and go during the time period provided. To learn more, visit our How We Engage page here.

Join our Samson Park community drop-in session at the following date and time:

  • When: Saturday 30 November 2024
  • Where: Samson Park - picnic area near the BBQs (look for the City of Fremantle flag)
  • Time: 9am - 12pm

City Officers aim to:

  • Work with the community to gather personal experiences about their interaction with the park, to identify key areas for improvement and prioritise amenity upgrades that best suit their needs.
  • Raise public awareness of the unique ecological status of Samson Park, encourage community participation and environmental stewardship, as well as emphasise the park's value to a new and wider audience via the engagement process.
  • Work with the community to collect thoughts on the current park layout, highlight any issues experienced and suggest focal points where further improvements to amenities could be made if more funding becomes available.
  • Keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and provide feedback on how public input influenced the project.
  • Work with you to ensure that your concerns and aspirations are noted; provide clarity on questions that may arise.

How can you make your submission?
Submissions can be submitted online via the submission form below, or:

A hard copy of the survey can be sent or picked up upon request by emailing the Community Engagement team here: communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

Stage 1 Engagement Submissions close on 15 January 2025.

  • Samson Park Masterplan Survey

    As part of the Masterplan visioning process, the City aims to learn more about Sir Frederick Samson Memorial Park by focusing on how members of the community use and engage with the area. Valuable insights gained through this consultation process will then be integrated into the draft Masterplan, which ultimately aims to improve park and bushland experiences whilst enhancing environmental stewardship and community involvement in the park. In addition to planned drainage, parking and accessibility works, the Samson Park picnic and play areas are also set for an upgrade, based on community wants and needs. 

    Please make sure you have reviewed the Frequently Asked Questions and Key Documents before submitting your comments.  

    Your thoughts and ideas during this design and visioning phase are crucial to help inform the Samson Park Masterplan. Thank you for taking the time to contribute feedback!

    We are asking the public to: 

    • Learn more about the scope of the Samson Park Masterplan project by exploring the Frequently Asked Questions and explainer documents.
    • Share how you engage with Samson Park, what you love about the park and what issues you experience by completing the Samson Park Masterplan Survey.
    • Provide feedback in person at the Samson Park Masterplan Community Drop-In Session on Saturday November 30 (details on the project page).
    Take Survey
    Share Samson Park Masterplan Survey on Facebook Share Samson Park Masterplan Survey on Twitter Share Samson Park Masterplan Survey on Linkedin Email Samson Park Masterplan Survey link
Page last updated: 20 Nov 2024, 11:51 AM