FAQs

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.

Council has various kinds of parks and playgrounds. These parks all serve different purposes and require different equipment and management. 

District parks 
District parks are large, high-quality parks that cater to the needs of the broader Blue Mountains community. They offer a wider variety of activities and settings and are often the most popular parks and playgrounds. 
We have four district parks that service the upper and lower mountains – Glenbrook Park, Springwood’s Buttenshaw Park, Wentworth Falls Lake Park and Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park. 

Local parks 
Local parks are smaller than a district park. Most are set in a recreational ‘activity hub’ along with other facilities such as sports ovals, sport courts, skate parks, dog-off leash spaces and toilets. 

Neighbourhood parks 
Neighbourhood parks are open spaces within walking distance of homes, servicing local neighbourhoods and villages. They are not highly developed, and do not generally feature facilities such as toliets, but still offer a place for residents and visitors to gather. 

Civic parks 
The other small play spaces found in our City are called civic parks.

The program will upgrade a total of 16 neighbourhood parks over four years, with four parks being upgraded each year.

The program has a budget of $6.1 million, funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) Program.

The upgrades will focus on improving and upgrading play equipment, accessibility features, social interaction facilities, exercise equipment, and signage.

Council manages over 100 parks across the Blue Mountains, which are classified as District, Local, or Neighbourhood Parks. While District Parks include toilet facilities, Neighbourhood Parks, being smaller community spaces, generally do not. Due to budget and resource limitations, it's not possible to build and maintain toilets in every park. 

The Neighbourhood Parks Program focuses on upgrading neighbourhood parks by improving play equipment, adding accessible features, and creating spaces for social connection, such as picnic areas, and signage. Providing toilet facilities is outside the scope of this current upgrade program but may be considered through other grant funding opportunities.

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.

Yes, where possible and appropriate, the program aims to transition to nature-based play equipment to provide more engaging and natural play experiences.

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.

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.

The program includes improvements such as nature-based play areas and better storm water management, contributing to environmental sustainability and increased green space.

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.

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.

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.