A landscape plan for a popular Balgowlah recreation reserve with heritage links to the First Fleet is set to be implemented by Council.
North Harbour Reserve, on Condamine Street, will undergo a refresh of its facilities and landscaping over the next two years.
It was near North Harbour Reserve in January 1788 that Admiral Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, was recorded as encountering Aboriginal men and commenting on their “manly behaviour.”
Up to the 1920s, the Reserve was a landing spot for ships transporting goods to the Northern Beaches. In the late 1930s, land was progressively reclaimed from the Harbour to create an open space and reserve.
Today, the recreation Reserve forms part of one of the most popular Sydney Harbour walks, Spit Bridge to Manly, and features BBQ, toilet, parking, play equipment, half-court basketball court and off-leash dog exercise area.
Mayor Michael Regan said after extensive consultation with community groups and five meetings to express their views on the plan, the feedback was overwhelmingly in favour of the in-character upgrades.
“North Harbour Reserve is a magnificent vantage point to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the harbour and the improvements will enhance people’s enjoyment of the open space,” Mayor Regan said.
Key features of the landscape plan include:
- The installation of a new irrigation system and rehabilitation of turf areas.
- Formalisation of the dirt car park to the west of Condamine Street
- Reconfiguring and upgrading the southern picnic area to address drainage and wear issues and provide a better user experience
- Renewing the staircase to Boyle Street to improve access.
- Installation of fitness equipment in proximity to the basketball half-court
- Improve the basketball half-court
- Installation of nature play near the southern rock face
- Minor landscaping including a new hedge along Condamine Street to improve traffic safety.