Waters Ward Multigenerational Recreation Space

Transforming Waters Ward for our Community

Construction works underway– Malak car park upgrades now in progress

City of Darwin is developing a new Multigenerational Recreation Space in Waters Ward. This innovative space will offer a safe, engaging and fun environment for children, families and individuals of all ages and abilities in line with the City of Darwin Play Space Strategy 2023–2030.

The objective of the project is to create an inclusive and accessible space that caters to the diverse needs of our community. City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government has committed $3.5million to this initiative.

This recreation space will be built near the area surrounding Malak Oval. This new recreation space will:

•    Create a more liveable, healthy and socially connected neighbourhood  
•    Provide an inclusive gathering space for people of all ages and abilities catering to the diverse population needs in surrounding communities
•    Encourage active, healthy lifestyles through accessible outdoor recreation
•    Reduce anti-social behaviour by activating a well-used public space
•    Strengthen neighbourhood connections through shared play and recreation in a central accessible location within Waters Ward.

Location:  Malak Crescent, Malak, NT, 0812 

Shaped by You - Community Engagement Outcomes

The design for the Waters Ward Multigenerational Recreation Space was shaped by the community engagement outcomes that City of Darwin conducted in 2024. Local businesses and community members shared their valuable feedback on what they wanted to see for the project.  
For more information, you can read the full Engagement Report by visiting Waters Ward Multigenerational Recreation Space | Engage Darwin

Survey feedback highlighted the following top priorities:   

•    Improved parking and access, including proximity to public transport and the addition of new car parks.   
•    Better safety and security features, including lighting, clear sight lines, CCTV and surveillance.   
•    More shade, delivered through both natural landscaping (trees/greenery) and built structures over activity areas.   
•    Spaces that are designed to be inclusive and accessible for all ages, abilities and mobility levels.  
•    Water play elements to help people cool down in Darwin’s climate.   
•    Climate-responsive materials and equipment that can withstand heat and local conditions.
  
 The upgrade responds directly to feedback from residents and stakeholders who identified parking, safety and access as key concerns. The project has received strong championing from the Water’s Ward Councillors, ensuring it reflects community priorities.

Improvements will make the space more accessible and welcoming for families, seniors and people with disability with increased footpath connections and compliant shared path connections that are more thoughtfully designed f in accordance with CPTED guidelines. 

The project will transform access to the precinct by expanding car parking from 39 to 80 spaces, delivering a significant improvement that supports current demand and strengthens the site’s long-term durability. This major boost responds directly to community feedback and ensures the site can support a wider range of users into the future.

The Waters Ward Multigenerational Recreation Space will be delivered in Stages four Stages   

Stage 1 Construction:

Malak Oval Car Park Upgrade Works

Delivery of Stage 1 is the first step in transforming the area into a safe, engaging and vibrant area. As per City of Darwin’s Draft Municipal Plan 2025/26 $1.5 million will be contributed towards construction, in addition to a grant funding from the Northern Territory Government of $500,000.  

City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government have committed a total of $3.5million to this initiative throughout the four stages of works.   

Stage 1 works will deliver:

•    Upgrading and resurfacing the Malak Oval car park
•    Improved traffic flow and safer vehicle movement
•    Reorienting the new space to include 80 car parking spaces instead of the previous 39 spaces at Malak car park
•    Malak car park upgrades will include clearly marked, compliant accessible parking bays with dedicated access ramp to footpaths
•    Enhanced pedestrian connections between parking and the recreation space, community centre and surrounding greenbelt footpaths/ shared paths.
•    Improved drainage and site infrastructure
•    Inclusion of natural shade and/or landscaping elements

Malak car parks works are scheduled to commence on Tuesday 7 April 2026, and are expected to complete by end of July 2026, weather permitting. Construction works will be carried out from Monday through Sunday. 

Further information on playground and underground services will be provided closer to the commencement date. 

Please refer to map indicating the work area.    

Traffic control measures will be in place throughout the project to ensure public safety and some nearby parking in the vicinity of the job site may be temporarily restricted. Machinery will be used during construction, which may result in some noise disturbances. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you for your patience and consideration while we deliver this important project for the community.

08 8930 0300 
darwin@darwin.nt.gov.au

Responsible Officer: Shantelle Ward - Infrastructure