Have Your Say on the 2025 Neighbourhood Parks Upgrades
THIS SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED. COMMUNITY FEEDBACK IS UNDER REVIEW. TO STAY INFORMED ON THIS PROJECT, FOLLOW SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES.
The Neighbourhood Parks Program is a four-year program aimed at enhancing our community's neighbourhood parks. The $6.1 million program is funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) program.
Over the course of this program, Council will upgrade 16 parks across the four Wards of the Blue Mountains. In each Ward, there will be four parks upgraded - one each year, over four years.
The first round of consultation has taken place for the 2024 and 2025 parks: Medlow Park, Medlow Bath; Golden Horizons, Hazelbrook; Thomas Park, Blaxland, Melrose Park, Katoomba; Wilson Park, Wentworth Falls; Bundah Park, Winmalee; and Hall Park, Mount Riverview.
Draft designs for these parks, based on feedback received in the first round of community consultation will be presented to the community for feedback shortly.
Buttenshaw Park Small Pump Track in Faulconbridge is also part of the 2024 program, however this will be focused on a new small pump track, based on previous community consultation. Council will release the exciting details of this project separately.
While each park’s upgrade is subject to considerations due to budget, heritage and environmental considerations, your feedback will help us understand how our parks are used, how you would like to use them, and what you would like included in your parks.
The focus for these projects is on renewal of the things that are already in the park and has been developed with consideration of other potential grant sources which may be used for other needs at each facility.
It's important to remember that Council can't provide everything in any one neighbourhood park. We aim to provide a little bit of everything across the neighbourhood parks in each ward. When you think about what you would like in any park, please also consider what is already available in the other parks around you.
Each park has a budget of approximately $300,000 per park with a total budget for each ward of $1.2 million. The budget for each park may be adjusted, but the budget for each ward is fixed. If needed, unspent budget from some parks may be diverted to other parks within the same ward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Neighbourhood Parks Program?
The Neighbourhood Parks Program is an initiative by Blue Mountains City Council to upgrade 16 neighbourhood parks across the Blue Mountains over four years. The program aims to improve amenities, equipment, and accessibility in these parks to better serve the community.
2. How many parks are being upgraded and over what time period?
The program will upgrade a total of 16 neighbourhood parks over four years, with four parks being upgraded each year.
3. What is the budget for the Neighbourhood Parks Program?
The program has a budget of $6.1 million, funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) Program.
4. Which parks are scheduled for upgrades in 2024?
In 2024, the parks scheduled for upgrades are Medlow Park (Medlow Bath), Golden Horizons (Hazelbrook), Junior Pump Track Buttenshaw Park (Faulconbridge), and Thomas Park (East Blaxland).
5. What are the main areas of focus for the upgrades?
The upgrades will focus on improving and upgrading play equipment, accessibility features, social interaction facilities, exercise equipment, and signage.
6. How will the upgrades improve accessibility in the parks?
The upgrades will include enhancements such as better pathways, improved seating, accessible play areas, and upgraded parking spaces to ensure that all community members, including those with varying levels of mobility, can easily access and enjoy the parks.
7. Will nature-based play equipment be included in the upgrades?
Yes, where possible and appropriate, the program aims to transition to nature-based play equipment to provide more engaging and natural play experiences.
8. How will the upgrades enhance social interaction in the parks?
Upgrades will include the addition of new or improved seating and meeting places to foster social interaction and community engagement within the parks.
9. What is the goal of improving exercise equipment in the parks?
The aim is to provide opportunities for physical activity and exercise, promoting healthier lifestyles and enhancing recreational options for park visitors.
10. How will the improvements impact local social and community interactions?
The upgrades are designed to create spaces that encourage social engagement, reduce social isolation, and build stronger community connections through enhanced facilities and inclusive design.
11. What principles are being used to ensure safety in the park designs?
The designs incorporate Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to reduce and prevent at-risk behaviour, enhancing the safety and security of park spaces.
12. How will the upgrades address environmental sustainability?
The program includes improvements such as nature-based play areas and better stormwater management, contributing to environmental sustainability and increased green space.
13. Will the upgrades affect the current usage of the parks?
There may be some temporary disruptions during the upgrade process. However, the goal is to enhance the parks and improve their usability for the community in the long term.
14. How can the community get involved or provide feedback on the upgrades?
Community consultation will be conducted at various stages of the project to gather input and feedback on the upgrades. Residents are encouraged to participate in these consultations and to sign up to receive regular updates.
15. What are the key strategic plans guiding the Neighbourhood Parks Program?
The program is guided by several strategic plans, including the Open Space and Recreation Strategic Plan, Play Guidelines, Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design principles, and the Public Lands Plans of Management.