Work has officially begun on Ngamawari, a 30,000sqm public park on the Acton Waterfront that will acknowledge Ngunnawal culture and history.

An interim park is set top open in 2025, providing a space for people to relax by the lake, exercise, and enjoy events and activities.

“This is an exciting milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Acton Waterfront,” said Jen Ramsay, Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the City Renewal Authority.

“These works will not only deliver an interim park next year, but also provide the essential infrastructure for a future Ngunnawal-themed permanent park and city neighbourhood.

“It’s about enlivening the area as soon as possible while also laying the foundations for a major lakeside destination for locals and visitors.”

Features of the park are set to include:

• Grassed areas, garden beds and retaining walls.
• Temporary lighting and shade structures.
• Hardstand spaces to support events and food and coffee options.
• Key infrastructure like stormwater and additional infill, as well as secure access for heavy vehicles, maintenance and emergency vehicles.

The permanent park will extend the size, experience and amenities at Ngamawari once completed. Ms Ramsay said this will result in a largescale and culturally significant public space for all Canberrans.

“Ngamawari has been designed hand-in-hand with local Ngunnawal community members and creatives,” Ms Ramsay said.

“From native plantings to artworks, Ngunnawal culture and history will be embedded throughout the expansive park.

“It will provide a special experience to all who explore the planned adventure playground, extensive native gardens, pavilions and event spaces over the coming decades.”

Ngamawari will follow the construction of neighbouring Henry Rolland Park in 2018 and the lake reclamation, 700m boardwalk and public beach in 2022.

The park’s name – Ngamawari (pronounced pronounced nar-mar-wa-ree) – means ‘cave place’ in Ngunnawal language and recognises the cultural importance of the limestone caves flooded during the creation of Lake Burley Griffin and the role they played for shelter and art along the Molonglo River.

More information on Ngamawari and the future city neighbourhood is available on the Authority’s website.