Art & Sculpture Garden
A community-initiated concept for an open-air art space at Smiths Lake Recreation Reserve
The Concept
Artist’s impression – indicative concept model prepared by a local artist, illustrating how sculptures, planting, and looping pathways might sit together.
The Art & Sculpture Garden is a community-initiated concept for the Smiths Lake Recreation Reserve at Paradise Drive, Smiths Lake. The idea is to transform an area of vacant open space into a welcoming gathering place for artists, families, and visitors of all ages.
The garden would provide a flexible, nature-inspired setting for open-air art installations, encouraging people to connect, explore, and interact with art — and with the artists who make it — in a relaxed and accessible environment. It is designed to sit within the broader Recreation Reserve precinct rather than stand apart from it.
MidCoast Council–approved Masterplan. The Art & Sculpture Garden is Item 12, circled at the eastern end of the precinct. The copy shown is an earlier preliminary issue — an approved-stamped version is not yet available.
The garden is envisaged as a welcoming open-air space for art observation, interaction, and activity. Proposed features include:
- Open-air art installations showcasing local and regional artists
- Easy-access pathways and seating throughout
- Flexible, nature-inspired spaces adaptable for rotating exhibitions
- Accessible viewing areas for all ages and abilities
- A welcoming gathering space for artists, families, and visitors
- Cultural elements recognising the Worimi people as the traditional owners of the land
- Integration with the broader Smiths Lake Recreation Reserve precinct
- A platform for community art events, workshops, and activations
Project Status
Stage: Concept. The Art & Sculpture Garden appears as Item 12 in the Smiths Lake Recreation Park Masterplan, which was developed with professional design services and the Smiths Lake community, and approved by MidCoast Council.
Funding: Funding activity is underway, including grant applications, to develop the whole of the Park, with community contributions and Works-in-Kind where feasible.