What is the Plan of Management (PoM)?

    This is a high level document which locks in what activities are permitted at Summerhayes Park.

    No changes are proposed for the permitted uses of the site.   They remain:

    • Bushland in the existing bushland areas and 
    • A combination of sport, recreation and general community use for the existing developed areas. 

    Why is the PoM being updated?

    The existing plan of management was adopted in 2004.  Council needed to check that the existing activities are still what the community wants before developing all the projects proposed in the masterplan.

    What changes are proposed in the Masterplan for Summerhayes Park?

    The changes proposed are mostly upgrades and replacements of the existing facilities. They have been described in five major projects as follows:

    Project A -  Football Field 1 Upgrade
    Project B - New clubhouse
    Project C - Football fields 2, 3 and 4 upgrade
    Project D - Car park and tennis improvements
    Project E - Grandstand, upper car park and dog off leash upgrades

    The following objectives and principles for development of Summerhayes Park have arisen from the site analysis, Council’s strategic documents and the community engagement process so far.

    • Improve accessibility & inclusion across the park
    • Provide shareable multi-use buildings, sports field and courts
    • Improve driveway access and parking within the park
    • Implement sustainable storm water management across the park 

    Who was involved in the development of the draft PoM and Masterplan?

    Council Staff spoke with the main user groups in preparing the draft documents.  They also used a consultant who specialises in scoping and costing documents to assist in preparing the project plans incorporated into the masterplan.

    Is there any provision for improving parking and traffic access to Summerhayes Park?

    The master plan indicates some improvements to parking and access.  These are limited by

    • Limited space on site and no desire to clear bushland
    • The access from Hawkesbury Road is managed by Transport for NSW. Council has no control over their priorities and funding.

    Will the changes to Summerhayes Park impact the surrounding bushland or nature areas?

    There is no proposal to undertake any clearing of bushland or provision of new facilities within the bushland.   There may be some minor impacts on the bushland due to the ongoing recreation activities in the high use area such as littering, or simply people playing in the bushland.    

    Are there any plans for improving accessibility at the park?

    When funding is found for replacement of the main amenities building and the tennis clubhouse – the new buildings will be fully accessible.

    There is also provision for new connecting paths to better link new and existing facilities.

    How will community feedback be incorporated into the final documents?

    Council will listen to and read all feedback provided. Changes to the document will be made where they are considered practical and appropriate.    

    Responses to all feedback  - and how it did or did not change the documents -  will be in a report that will accompany the documents when they go back to the Council for adoption.  If major changes are made then the documents will be exhibited again.

    What is the timeline for the implementation of the proposed upgrades?

    None of the proposed upgrades currently have identified funding.   This current process it to make the projects more grant ready.  Community support and adoption by the Council make grant bodies more willing to provide funding.

    Council will be actively seeking grants, but no date as to when they will be received can confidently stated. 

    What further consultation is there to come?

    If significant changes are made to the documents, a second exhibition period will occur. 

    If no significant changes are made, the next consultation will occur, project by project as the designs are developed.  Currently the projects are broadly scoped only – much detail is still to be worked out with designers and the community.