Project description
Complete: Lake Ginninderra path upgrade.
Lake Ginninderra was established in 1974 with the construction of the Ginninderra Drive embankment over Ginninderra Creek. The lake is situated directly to the north of the Belconnen Town Centre and is regularly used by residents, workers and visitors for recreation, commuting and exercise.
The lake is also a popular recreation facility supporting swimming, canoeing, sailing and fishing. Several swimming areas, toilets and barbeque/picnic areas are located around the lake edge, along with play spaces and car parks. The path network connects all of these facilities.
Due to the lake’s popularity, there were requests from the community for upgrades to the Lake Ginninderra path circuit. This is particularly as the Belconnen region continues to grow in population and with new residential developments close to the lake at the Belconnen Town Centre.
A feasibility study (PDF 12.5 MB) was undertaken in 2021 to look at opportunities to improve the quality, safety, connectivity and attractiveness of the community path network.
Key opportunities identified by the feasibility study included:
- Path upgrades, including path widening and better drainage
- New and upgraded paths to improve connectivity
- Lighting improvements to key commuting corridors
- New and upgraded seating to support recreation and the exercise routines of a range of people, particularly ensuring seniors have regular opportunities to rest
- New water refill stations to support healthy and active lifestyles
- Signage upgrades to improve navigation around the lake foreshore.
In the 2023-24 ACT Budget, the first stage of works improving connections along Emu Bank and through John Knight Memorial Park were funded. These upgrades include:
- Complete: Widening of the existing path through John Knight Memorial Park to 3 metres. The path upgrade also includes horizontal alignment modifications as well as major vertical alignment modifications at the entry to the Ginninderra Drive bridge to improve accessibility to cyclists, pedestrians and other micromobility users. A total of 48 new trees were planted to offset the required removal of 5 existing trees.
- Underway: Improvements at Emu Bank to address safety issues.
