Council is embarking on an ambitious new strategy, with over 200 actions, to improve open spaces and outdoor recreation facilities across the Northern Beaches. Following community consultation, Council has adopted the Open Space and Outdoor Recreation Strategy and Action Plan – Let’s Play!
Mayor Michael Regan said as we implement the new plan there will be improvements to open spaces and recreation facilities right across the Northern Beaches.
“We all love our open spaces - parks, stunning beaches, foreshores and beautiful bushland. We’re a an outdoorsy, and nature loving community and we’re booming with playground-loving youngsters,” Mayor Regan said.
“Council is committed to providing quality recreational experiences for everyone so over the next 15 years, we will build new outdoor bike parks, playgrounds, multiuse outdoor courts, fitness equipment and upgrade our existing facilities.
“It isn’t about filling every space with equipment. We want the community to enjoy our beautiful natural surrounds, and these will also be made more accessible with upgraded and new pathway connections, thoughtfully placed park furniture for everyone to enjoy.
Council has developed a list of key actions to meet current and future needs, including:
- building additional playgrounds including at Parkes Road Collaroy Plateau, Fielding Reserve Collaroy and Brick Pit Reserve Frenchs Forest
- prioritising playspace upgrades to offer higher quality and more diverse play experiences
- developing new and improved off road cycling facilities
- installing new outdoor fitness equipment and courts
- improving maintenance regimes to provide a higher quality and more consistent experience. Beautifying open spaces, including public gardens, parklands and bushland walkways
- continuing to partner with the NSW State Government regarding shared access of school grounds and facilities and partnerships for new and upgraded facilities
- undertaking future recreation planning such as an Indoor Sport and Recreation Study
“This plan will help us meet the needs of the community now and into the future and support and preserve everything we love about our open spaces,” Mayor Regan said.
“Thank you to everyone who had their say and contributed to our new plan.”
Public exhibition of the strategy resulted in 141 submissions from the community, with the majority supportive of the new plan.