On Tuesday, a report investigating the potential for the reserve to be rezoned as a park was reviewed by councillors.

It found the reserve didn't meet the minimum guidelines for a local park and not suitable for play equipment due to its size.

However, council will continue to investigate a possible alternative and complimentary recreation offer at the reserve for the broader Morpeth community.

Earlier this year, Liberal councillor Mitchell Griffin tabled a motion calling for council officers to prepare a report on the potential of reclassifying the reserve's zoning.

Cr Griffin said he was pleased that council officers would continue to investigate the future of the reserve, however he questioned why it was different from other parklands.

"It's good to see this come back. We've had 540 signatures on a petition calling for this particular park be developed into parkland with play equipment," he said.

"It's quite clear there is a want from the wider community of Maitland for this to happen.

"I'm quite keen to see the outcome."

The site has been earmarked as a community park on numerous occasions over the past three decades including in the Morpeth Management Plans in 1994 and 2000.

According to the council report, the current review of the Maitland Recreation and Open Space Strategy 2004 provides an opportunity to identify a possible alternative and complimentary recreation offer at the reserve for the broader Morpeth community.

Council will explore alternatives in consultation with the community as part of the review and will inform the level of embellishment, subsequent grading and maintenance schedule of James Street Reserve.

The revised draft open space plan is expected to go on public exhibition in early 2020