PARKS FOR THE COMMUNITY

Image from City of Sydney

Playgrounds, nature play and new seating areas in small parks across the City of Sydney were all on the drawing board through the consultation process on a large series of park upgrades that took place in June.

Eleven park upgrade proposals were open for community feedback as part of a long-term vision to upgrade more than 60 greenspaces across the local area, from small pocket parks to larger local parks.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said parks are a vital part of creating liveable and healthy cities for the community. “We’re committed to greening Sydney and providing quality open space for everyone. These upgrades will add more trees, shrubs and grasses to increase our city’s green canopy and new seating, play equipment, and better footpaths and entry points to cater for our growing community.

“As the state-wide drought intensifies, water-saving has never been more important, so a number of our new park upgrades will include environmental initiatives to reduce water consumption. Consultation is an important part of everything we do at the City, and as we upgrade these green spaces, community feedback will ensure our new parks are in the best possible shape to meet what our community needs.”

Image from sydney.com

Parks to be upgraded include:

• Fig Lane Park Playground (Ultimo)
• Kings Lane Reserve (Darlinghurst)
• Ernest Pedersen Reserve (Glebe)
• Beaconsfield Park Playground (Beaconsfield)
• James Hilder Reserve (Surry Hills)
• Daniel Dawson Reserve (Alexandria)
• Strickland Park (Chippendale)
• Hollis Park Playground (Newtown)
• Cardigan Street Reserve (Glebe)
• Palmerston Avenue Steps and Sarah Peninton Playground (Glebe)
• Clyne Reserve (Millers Point)

Proposed improvements include a fenced playspace with scooter track, play structures, swing, sandpit, seating and tables at Hollis Park Playground in Newtown. The proposal for James Hilder Reserve in Surry Hills includes a fitness hub and new play equipment including a climbing structure, swings, slides and less formal playspaces for children to explore and play imaginatively.

All parks aim to offer children of a variety of ages and abilities opportunities to play alongside each other. 

Park furniture will be upgraded across a number of parks with high-quality materials. Seating in each park encourages social interaction and helps carers keep an eye on children’s play areas.

See the proposed designs for the park upgrades here.

The City has several new parks and playgrounds in design, including the City Centre Playground in Cook + Phillip Park, Wimbo Park in Surry Hills, and The Drying Green and Gunyama Park in the new Green Square precinct. Shannon Reserve Playground in Surry Hills, Ross Street Playground in Forest Lodge, Crete Reserve Playground in Rosebery, Maybanke Park in Pyrmont and Les White Reserve in Alexandria are also being upgraded.

Via City of Sydney