The Parkland located adjacent to the Don Memorial Hall, historically and informally referred to as the Don Reserve Parkland, was officially renamed in honour of Devonport’s first Warden, Mr John Luck.
John Luck was the Chairman of the Devonport Town Board and the first Warden of the Devonport Municipal Council, serving as Warden between 1908 and 1909, and as Councillor from 1908-11 and 1918-1923.
Mr Luck also made further contributions to Devonport, including membership of the first chamber of commerce in Devonport; past secretary of the Devonport Racing Club (a club he also formed); representative of the fire board; and licencee of the Formby Hotel, and later, owner of the Palace Hotel.
He was instrumental in helping to secure the road entrance into Devonport from Spreyton; the extension of Victoria Parade towards the Bluff; and in securing the town’s water supply.
From a familial perspective, the parkland on the northern side of Forth Road Don, is named in honour of Mrs Dell Luck, who was married to Mr Luck’s nephew, Mr Norm Luck, in recognition of her significant contribution to the Devonport community.
The naming of the parkland in honour of Devonport’s first Warden was proposed by former Councillor Lynn Laycock, in a Notice of Motion tabled at the March 2022 Council Meeting, which was endorsed unanimously. The naming of the parkland was formally recognised by Place Names Tasmania earlier this year.
Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman said it was an honour to officially name the parkland, John Luck Park, as a way to formally recognise the significant contribution Mr Luck made to the administration of Council as Warden and Councillor, and to the community more generally.
“It is a fitting tribute that the parkland be officially named to commemorate and acknowledge the contribution that John Luck made to Devonport and the community, particularly in its formative years” Cr Jarman said.
“The official naming of the parkland, the John Luck Park, ensures that his legacy and contribution to Devonport, through his governance, business, sporting and community involvement, will be eternally remembered and permanently commemorated”.