Lismore ‘pocket parks’ considered for sale

‘Pocket parks’ could be made to give way to residential zoning to ease pressure on the housing crisis. Have your say - fill in our poll.

Beloved little nooks of green space scattered throughout Lismore and Goonellabah - known as ‘pocket parks’ - face another possible sell off.

In a report to Lismore council, five vacant public land lots currently being used as pocket parks have been tagged as sites to rezone for housing.

Council’s Sport and Recreation plan lies at the heart of the proposed changes.

Under the plan to maintain Lismore as a regional sports hub, small pocket parks will be ‘rationalised’ - provided there is another park within a 500m radius.

“Council will set up a dedicated fund to apply proceeds of sale toward upgrading existing parks, improving access, or acquiring land for parks,” the report read.

Council acknowledged the value of the pocket parks to the community, yet stated they needed to ‘weigh up’ what the community wants and the cost of maintaining the mini green spaces.

Goonellabah couple John and Delma O’Connor want the parks to stay.

“They sold off parks just around the corner here back in 2013,” Mr O’Connor said.

“I understand the need for housing, but this park is used a lot.”

John and Delma O'Connor from Goonellabah said they want to keep the pocket park next door to their home in Julie Crescent.

Ms O’Connor: “There are kids in the street that regularly play in this park.

“There is birdlife and we get wallabies here too.”

Parks in the firing line include:

19 Julie Crescent, Goonellabah 

The vacant land at 19 Julie Crescent, Goonellabah.

“This is a vacant parcel of council-owned land at the end of a residential cul-de-sac that does not contain

any play or recreational equipment.

Lismore council’s Infrastructure and Open Spaces section said from its assessment there is ample location for a building envelope without significant vegetation removal.

8 Holmesleigh Drive, Goonellabah

The 'pocket park' at 8 Holmesleigh Drive, Goonellabah.

The site was dedicated Public Open Space as part of the original subdivision and is now maintained by council.

Although trees here would need removal due to poor health, the space is considered a housing possibility.

2 Kareela Ave, Lismore Heights 

The 'pocket park' at 2 Kareela Ave, Lismore Heights.

The corner block on Kareela Avenue and Donnans Road is another site Lismore council is considering for residential rezoning.

All of the sites are without play or recreational equipment. Council is content to remove the tree due to ‘high wind’ at this location - but would review any constraints under the planning proposal.

7 Parkwalk Drive, Goonellabah 

The 'pocket park' at 7 Parkwalk Drive, Goonellabah.

A rope suspends a tractor tyre where kids love to swing at Parkwalk Drive.

This park is listed as it is in an out-of-flood zone, like all five, and its trees can ‘easily be replaced’.

15 Lee Crescent, Goonellabah

The 'pocket park' at 15 Lee Crescent, Goonellabah.

The Lee Crescent pocket park did receive a beautification grant in 2005.

Lismore council estimates the potential income from the sale of these five pocket parks to be approximately $1,920,000 to $2,055,000.

The Pocket Park Fund would continue to be used as co-contribution for grants for future open space projects within our major parks including:

• Wade Park

• Heritage Park

• Lismore Youth Precinct

• Kadina Park; and

• Nesbitt Park.