'North Bank' needs a name

Published on 06 April 2018

North Bank play3_med.jpg

The City of Launceston is calling for community ideas to help name the new $9.15m North Bank park redevelopment.

While the area has been commonly referred to as "North Bank" for many years, a leafy quiet street called "North Bank" already exists in Trevallyn.

With work now underway on a major redevelopment of the park, Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said it was time to formalise an official name for the area.

Due for completion this calendar year, the park redevelopment will include new recreational walking and cycling trails, barbecue facilities, a major new all-abilities playspace, sensory gardens, a parkour area, a 'Sky Walk', events spaces and much more.

 

Mayor van Zetten said he was eager to hear considered and interesting naming suggestions from the community for the park.

"Soon we're going to have to make a recommendation to the Nomenclature Board about what we formally call this major new park on the doorstep of Launceston," Mayor van Zetten said.

"I've heard various suggestions over the years, from naming it 'Three Rivers Park' to perhaps some sort of recognition for some of the Council's former Aldermen, a nod to Launceston's military veterans, sporting greats, or the city's indigenous heritage.

"We know some people are also comfortable with the 'North Bank' name, but given a 'North Bank' already exists, the nomenclature board are unlikely to approve a second area with the same name.

"So we're asking for naming suggestions, whether they're inspired by what this area represents, what it may have been in the past, what it will be in the future, or any other aspect of the place that people think is important.

"Now, we know, there's a tendency for people to get very excited about naming stuff online, as we've seen elsewhere in the world, so we've got some rules to ensure we don't wind up with 'Parky McParkFace'.

"It's not a popularity contest, and we're not interested in how many votes a suggestion gets, we just want to hear some community naming suggestions, whether they're inspired by the history of our city, its future, its notable citizens, or something else entirely.

"As a Council we'll then weigh those names up, look at the stories behind them, and make suggestions to the Nomenclature Board.

"The Nomenclature Board of Tasmania has rules for place names in Tasmania. These can be found online and may prove useful to people who'd like to put a name forward.

"This park is going to be a major new attraction for the city, and represents a significant investment by the city, state and federal governments.

"It is an incredibly exciting project for Launceston and Northern Tasmania, so I hope people will jump online and let us know their suggestions for a fantastic name for this incredible new park."

Northern Tasmanians are encouraged to leave their naming suggestions at http://yourvoiceyourlaunceston.com.au/northbank-needs-a-name with submissions closing on Friday, May 4.