Samson Park Masterplan

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Samson Park Masterplan Project Update - November 2025

Have your say on the draft Samson Park Masterplan and Management Plan

After a year of community engagement, research and detailed design, the City of Fremantle is inviting the community to comment on the draft Samson Park Masterplan and Management Plan. Led by the City’s Place and Projects team in partnership with the Natural Areas team, the draft plans have been shaped by extensive input from the community.

Around 1,170 people shared their views through surveys, on-site pop-ups and three Project Reference Group workshops held in March, June and September 2025. The City would like to thank everyone involved, including Friends of Samson, Samson Precinct members, Whadjuk Elders and cultural heritage representatives, City Councillors, ecological and engineering consultants, operational staff and community development officers for their valuable insights and collaboration.

We now invite the wider community to review the draft plans and share final feedback before the Masterplan and Management Plan are finalised for adoption. You can view both plans, as well as the Place Understanding Report via the Key Documents Section and submit your thoughts by completing the Samson Park Masterplan - Public Comment Survey.

We are asking the public to:

  • Review the draft Samson Park Masterplan and Management Plan documents via the Key Documents section below.
  • Contribute feedback on the objectives, directions and vision set out in the draft Masterplan and Management Plan.
  • Request a 1:1 or group meeting with City staff before submitting your feedback, by emailing communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au(External link) (subject to staff availability).

Submissions for Stage 2 of this engagement close 5pm AWST, 23 January 2026.

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 long-term vision for the park and its bushland
  • Improve drainage to support ecological health and resilience
  • Enhance accessibility, amenities and recreation while protecting conservation values
  • Strengthen education, wayfinding and visitor experiences
  • Recognise and celebrate cultural and heritage values
  • Promote sustainability and reinforce ecological and community connections

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.

Samson Park Masterplan Project Update - November 2025

Have your say on the draft Samson Park Masterplan and Management Plan

After a year of community engagement, research and detailed design, the City of Fremantle is inviting the community to comment on the draft Samson Park Masterplan and Management Plan. Led by the City’s Place and Projects team in partnership with the Natural Areas team, the draft plans have been shaped by extensive input from the community.

Around 1,170 people shared their views through surveys, on-site pop-ups and three Project Reference Group workshops held in March, June and September 2025. The City would like to thank everyone involved, including Friends of Samson, Samson Precinct members, Whadjuk Elders and cultural heritage representatives, City Councillors, ecological and engineering consultants, operational staff and community development officers for their valuable insights and collaboration.

We now invite the wider community to review the draft plans and share final feedback before the Masterplan and Management Plan are finalised for adoption. You can view both plans, as well as the Place Understanding Report via the Key Documents Section and submit your thoughts by completing the Samson Park Masterplan - Public Comment Survey.

We are asking the public to:

  • Review the draft Samson Park Masterplan and Management Plan documents via the Key Documents section below.
  • Contribute feedback on the objectives, directions and vision set out in the draft Masterplan and Management Plan.
  • Request a 1:1 or group meeting with City staff before submitting your feedback, by emailing communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au(External link) (subject to staff availability).

Submissions for Stage 2 of this engagement close 5pm AWST, 23 January 2026.

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 long-term vision for the park and its bushland
  • Improve drainage to support ecological health and resilience
  • Enhance accessibility, amenities and recreation while protecting conservation values
  • Strengthen education, wayfinding and visitor experiences
  • Recognise and celebrate cultural and heritage values
  • Promote sustainability and reinforce ecological and community connections

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.

  • Draft Samson Park Masterplan

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    The Samson Park draft Masterplan frames the park’s long-term vision, strategic priorities, and spatial direction. At the same time, the companion Management Plan plays a critical influencing role: it provides the ecological strategies and data that inform the masterplan’s decisions, ensuring that protection of the bushland is embedded at every level. Together, the Masterplan and Management Plan form a unified strategy, the Masterplan offers the guiding blueprint, and the Management Plan ensures that this is grounded in sound ecological practice.

    Read the draft Samson Park Masterplan document here.

  • Draft Samson Park Management Plan

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    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.

    Read the Draft Samson Park Management Plan 2025 here.

  • Samson Park: Place Understanding Report 2025

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    The Place Understanding Report brings together community insights, site observations, and stakeholder input to build a shared understanding of Samson Park’s values, challenges, and opportunities. We encourage you to review this document ahead of the next session. Below is an outline of the analysis currently underway to inform the development of the new Samson Park Management Plan and accompanying Masterplan.

    Read the Samson Park Place Understanding Report

  • Samson Park Masterplan Phase 1 Engagement Report

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    The Phase 1 engagement report for the Samson Park Masterplan project is now ready.

    Click here to read the report

  • Frequently Asked Questions

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    Why is the City undertaking this project? What is the difference between a Management Plan and a Masterplan? What upgrades or changes to the park are planned? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.

    Read the FAQ here.

  • Explainer: What is proposed for the parkland?

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    The Samson Park Masterplan and Management Plan will guide actions and planning over the next ten years to facilitate achievable and tangible outcomes for the park and all those who enjoy it. These important documents will guide all scheduled structural works to be undertaken at Samson Park, including but not limited to:

    • Parking upgrades
    • Accessibility, recreation and amenity enhancements
    • Play area renewal
    • Drainage system overhaul
    • Improved wayfinding and educational signage

    Click here to view the Samson Park Project Brief Explainer

  • Sketch: What is proposed for the carpark?

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    Samson Park's existing parking area on Sellenger Avenue will be getting an upgrade in 2025. The primary goal of the proposed design is to enhance the arrival experience for visitors, enhance the bush character and functionality of the carpark and respect the natural environment with accessible, low maintenance solutions.

    Click here to view the car park proposal sketches.

  • Explainer: Why Samson Park bushland is so special

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    Sir Frederick Samson Park is the City's largest bush forever reserve, offering 14 hectares of native bushland and grassed area. The park features remnant Jarrah, Marri and Tuart woodland that once dominated the Fremantle region and in addition to the abundance of endemic native plants, this reserve is also home to over 50 bird species, reptiles, and bats. Learn more about the ecological and cultural significance of the park in this handy explainer.

    View the Samson Park Significance Fact Sheet here.

  • Samson Park: Historical Snapshot

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    Who was Sir Frederick Samson? When was the park created and what was the bushland originally used for?

    Have a read of this handy fact sheet to gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of Samson Park and track the park's development and changes over time.

    View the Samson Park Historical Snapshot Fact Sheet here.

  • Key Document: City of Fremantle Public Open Space Strategy 2024 - 2034

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    The Samson Park Masterplan project takes into consideration the aims and directions laid out in the City's Public Open Space Strategy 2024 - 2034.

    In today’s rapidly changing world, public open spaces serve as vital sanctuaries, providing communities with places for recreation, relaxation, social interaction, and connection with nature. As population growth, climate change, and urbanisation pose significant challenges, the value of these spaces becomes increasingly evident. As a Bush Forever site consisting of remnant areas of the Jarrah, Marri and Tuart Tress woodland that once dominated the Fremantle region, Samson Park is a highly valued nature reserve which requires careful planning and management.

    The purpose of the City of Fremantle Public Open Space (POS) Strategy is to provide a clear strategic direction and framework for the provision and management of POS within the City. In doing so, the Strategy recognises the challenges presented by the City’s declining POS provision per person and limited opportunities for new POS acquisition. The City’s future directions for public open space is to ensure it continues to serve its purpose to allow the community to participate and connect in a functional, flexible and sustainable environment.

    You can read the Public Open Space Strategy 2024-2034 here.

Page last updated: 27 Nov 2025, 09:34 AM