But as the government proceeds with more public consultation on the future of the historic park, questions remain about which suggestions will be absorbed in a masterplan constrained by heritage protection.

And who will foot the bill for any improvements?

Sustainability and environment commissioner Kate Auty welcomed the level of public input so far and said lateral thinking was essential to change attitudes and boost use of the park.

She said it was evident there was tension between protection and renewed use in this case so finding a balance was needed to create enough change to lure community back to the green belt.

The community's desire to get more out of the park in the heart of the city was one pressure point, but so was the impact of climate on the viability of historic trees.

"I don't think we want to jettison the history of that park, it's important," she said.

"We don't want to lose the heroic nature of the enterprise in putting it in. We don't want to lose the heroic trees that have continued to thrive there, but we do need to make sure climate change is foremost in our minds as we plan for its future."

But while the site was an asset as summers get hotter and drier, forethought was needed to assess the viability of the evergreen plantings and how they would be watered.

"The environmental challenges have to be taken into account otherwise 20 years from now we might be looking at a park that is seriously bereft of some of the trees that are currently there because we haven't been able to sustain them in our changing climate," she said.

Dr Auty said the park could not "continue as it was" and the conversation about heritage "had to be had" to address environmental concerns and the demand for better use of the central site.

Curating zones for exercise, sanctuary and reflection, pop-up cafes and children's play would work well on the site which was intersected by a high-traffic corridor such as Northbourne Avenue, she said.

The ACT Government approved a $678,000 tender in January to improve lighting and reconstruct footpaths within the park linking Henty Street to the north through to Mort and Lonsdale Street to the south.

A government spokesman said response had been positive during the public consultation but any changes adopted into the masterplan needed to protect the site as a landscape feature of the city.

"All trees in the park are heritage-listed and registered, so any removals require approval by the ACT Heritage Council and the Conservator of Flora and Fauna," the spokesman said.

Big ideas such as a Northbourne Avenue pedestrian overpass were not deemed feasible however possible sites for playgrounds, the desire for seamless active travel connections and suggestions about hosting events and activity were all under consideration within the masterplan.

The plan due to be finalised in 2018 will be a blueprint for the area however the spokesman said "once approved it will be used to inform future budget bids for upgrades to the park."

A public workshop to discuss the vision for the site will be held on Thursday 15 March, 6.30pm at Merici College Auditorium. Register to attend the workshop online here.