Concrete would be removed from parts of Sullivans Creek to restore it to a more natural form, under a plan being pursued by the ACT government.
The creek would also become a focal point for community gatherings and a new park could be established next to the Dickson Group Centre to integrate the creek into the area.
The government is seeking to re-naturalise the creek, which was converted into a storm water drain nearly seven decades ago.
Planning options for the creek have been outlined in a new report based on consultation undertaken by the government.
"Overwhelmingly, the response was to create a more natural creek environment, by removing concrete and planting the surrounding landscape with native species and provide greater connectivity for native wildlife and people," the report said.
The Sullivans Creek catchment links the Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve to Lake Burley Griffin near the Australian National University's Acton campus, a distance of about 12 kilometres.
Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti said the report was aspirational but will set the vision for the future of the creek.
"This report will be used as the foundation for any future plans for the site, subject to the considerations of the next government and further consultation and investigation," she said.
Seventeen possible projects have been identified along the channel, including the Dickson Group Centre, along Northbourne Avenue, north of Barry Drive, Lyneham Oval, Thoroughbred Park and Exhibition Park in Canberra.
The consultation heard that people wanted spaces along the creek which would bring the community together.
"A string of nodes and destinations along the creek will provide opportunities to sit, enjoy, relax, play and learn," the report said.
"These will be linked by both slow and quick moving paths connecting back into the surrounding street network."
Sullivans Creek is one of the ACT's eight main water catchments, many of which were converted into concrete storm water drains as the city expanded in the 20th century.
The catchment area covers about 50 square kilometres with a span of 4.5 kilometres east to west.
The Commonwealth Department of Works called for tenders in November 1952 to line parts of Sullivans Creek with concrete, part of a plan to limit flooding in the area.
Before colonisation, the creek was used by the Ngunnawal People as a pathway, hunting and ceremonial grounds, and campsites. It sustained wildlife including fish, birds, platypuses, turtles, water rats and other reptiles.
Ms Vassarotti said she wanted to bring the creek up to its full potential.
"Right now Sullivans Creek is a concrete labyrinth that runs right through the heart of our city, often collecting sediments and algae that are really detrimental to water quality," she said.
"That's why we want to open a dialogue with Canberrans about bringing Sullivans Creek up to its full potential, turning it into an ecological corridor that protects water and fosters even greater biodiversity down the spine of the inner north."
