A viewing tower, a cafe and new paths that separate cyclists from other users are some of the ideas raised already by the public for a revitalised Tuggeranong Town Park.
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The ACT government has allocated $80,000 for a master plan for the park which would guide its development, maintenance and management over the next five to 10 years.
The government has also sidelined $1 million for improvements to the park.
Information at consultation sessions yesterday said since the town park opened in 1995, its ''original features have deteriorated quite significantly'' and the surrounding community had changed, particularly with an increase in residential development in the town centre.
New walking and cycle paths and improved access to the park from the town centre are some of the changes that could be covered by the master plan.
Local residents who attended an on-site consultation session yesterday afternoon said they valued the park but believed it could be improved. Garrick Anderson, of Greenway, said the park was sadly under-used.
''It's the most stunning park in Canberra, it kills them all. I'm so proud of it,'' he said.
Mr Anderson said he believed a viewing tower to take advantage of the views would draw more people in to the park.
''A little tower here would be good, just high enough for people to see the Brindabellas and the water, it's stunningly beautiful,'' he said.
Mr Anderson also suggested a jetty at the lake foreshore.
Wendy Fitzgerald, of Theodore, said the formal gardens part of the park didn't work. ''It's neglected and doesn't seem to serve a purpose,'' she said. ''But it's lovely to see the park being developed and it's good to see more trees being planted.''
Julia Brown and Kerry Nelson, both of Greenway, said a cafe should be built in the park.
''There's nothing to encourage people to come down here and have their lunch. There's nothing to draw life here,'' Ms Brown said.
However, a member of the Capital Petanque Club which used the park for its games said she didn't think a cafe belonged there.
''I think it's more a place where you bring a thermos and esky and have a wander around,'' the member, who did not want to be named, said.
Beverley Flint, of Greenway, said she hoped more generally the pathways right around the lake could be upgraded to separate cyclists from other users including walkers because many cyclists went too fast and didn't use their bells. She knew of one elderly man who had been pushed off a path by a cyclist and another elderly woman who had been screamed at by a cyclist.
Albert Orszaczky, of Wanniassa, wanted to see the picnic tables at the park enclosed so they could be used in all weather.
Territory and Municipal Services design and development manager Diana Hill said a draft management plan would be completed by ''mid-2012''.
''I encourage all interested people to get involved and provide their valuable input to this important project.''
The first stage of consultation closes on May 18. Further comment will be sought in June.
Feedback forms are available from the Tuggeranong Library, Tuggeranong Canberra Connect shopfront or online at timetotalk.act.gov.au.