Parramatta Council reveals its plans for park upgrades
PLAYGROUNDS are a common hangout for families. Parramatta Council is pulling out all the stops to upgrade dozens of green spaces over the next 12 months.
Parramatta
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PLAYGROUNDS are a common hangout spot for families, and being active in the great outdoors has been linked to helping reduce childhood obesity.
Parramatta Council has a long list of playgrounds and parks getting overhauls and their commitment to provide these spaces is backed up by health professionals who know there are many benefits from being in the great outdoors.
The council has a long list of works to undertake over the next three years, including an all-inclusive water playground at Ollie Webb Reserve.
The Parramatta park already has a barbecue, cricket witch, one-third basketball court, outdoor exercise equipment, a playground and sports fields.
But the $1.5 million project will deliver a unique and accessible playground, giving families even more reason to visit.
Moxhams Park, located at the corner of Churchill Drive and Ulandi Place, Winston Hills, will receive seating, exercise equipment and landscaping.
A $40 million North Rocks Park precinct masterplan has been revealed. The 7.4ha of land will see improved and expanded playground to include different types of play and appeal to a wider age range are on the list of things to do.
Improved walking/cycling tracks and outdoor fitness equipment and drinking fountains, upgraded barbecue and picnic areas, upgraded toilet facilities and improved lighting are also on the list.
Western Sydney Local Health District population health deputy director Christine Newman said children can achieve significant health benefits from doing a couple of hours of physical activity every day.
“Well-designed and maintained green space, parks and natural environments help children be active, to learn and have a sense of wellbeing,” she said.
“Outside play can also provide opportunities for a safe amount of sun exposure which is good for vitamin D levels and facing challenges and obstacles without constant engagement with adults which can enhance their creativity.”
It is recommended children do a minimum of 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Benefits include maintaining a health weight and the development of gross motor skills.
“Parents can help their children be more active if they engage in activities outdoors as a family unit,” Ms Newman said.
Dog lovers can rejoice. Barnett Park dog park, Winston Hills is getting a $200,000 upgrade this financial year.
Masterplans will be created this financial year for Ermington’s George Kendall Riverside Park which is filled with wide open spaces to run around as well as paths to ride or walk along.
It’s great for a gathering, with an abundance of barbecue facilities.
Every year, Lake Parramatta is re-gravelled for $50,000 at the designed swimming area to help level out the natural boulders and ensure a safer entry.
Council has earmarked $1.2 million for Epping’s Somerville Park over the next two years and Halverson Park, Ermington has money for an irrigation and turf upgrade and $250,000 for public toilets.
Council has begun work at the Carlingford waterfall track in Hunts Creek Reserve. A total of $75,000 will resurface the walking track, formalise the Ferndale Ave entry, establish new sandstone steps around the waterfall and upgrade existing steps. This work is due for completion by September.
The Terrys Creek rehabilitation project has a $400,000 injection of funds to engage specialist bushland regenerist contractors to complete weed removal and improve the walking track.
CLICK HERE: Parramatta Council's upgrade plans for the next 12 months
A council spokeswoman said the works include new interpretative signage, upgrading old wooden stairs and improving the condition of the walking track to the waterfall.
The work will help improve wildlife habitat for animals including swamp wallabies and powerful owls.
Other parks and reserves that will receive a “playground makeover” which includes the replacement of existing playgrounds with soft-fall, shade trees, new playground equipment and landscaping.
Carlingford gets the lion’s share of playground upgrades with Rainbow Farm Reserve, McMullen Ave Park, Lindisfarne Crescent Reserve, Dunrossil Park and John Wearn Reserve.
Hunts Creek Reserve and Jason Place Reserve in North Rocks, Beecroft’s Bingara Rd Park, Epping’s Pembroke St Reserve, Ermington’s George Kendall Riverside Park, Newington’s Blankers Koen Park, Eastwood’s David Hamilton Reserve, Burnside Gollan Reserve in Oatlands and Wallawa Reserve in Granville are the remaining spaces that’ll receive an updated playground.
PLAYGROUND MAKEOVER
These existing playgrounds will have soft-fall, shade trees, new playground equipment and landscaping installed:
● Pembroke St Reserve, Epping — December 2018
● Blankers-Koen Park, Newington — November 2018
● Rainbow Farm Reserve, Carlingford — October 2018
● Hunts Creek Reserve, Carlingford — October 2018
● David Hamilton Reserve, Eastwood — November 2018
● McMullen Ave Park, Carlingford — January 2019
● Burnside Gollan Reserve, Oatlands — January 2019
● Lindisfarne Crescent Reserve, North Rocks — October 2018
● Dunrossil Park, Carlingford — December 2018
● Jason Place Reserve, North Rocks — January 2019
● George Kendall Riverside Park, Ermington — February 2019
● Bingara Road Park, Beecroft — June 2019
● John Wearne Reserve, Carlingford — June 2019
● Wallawa Reserve, Granville — June 2019
*Wet weather and lead times associated with the supply of equipment could change the completion time expectation.