We are super excited to report that leading national industry organisation Parks and Leisure Australia have awarded Lionel Watts and Frenchs Forest Showground, 2022 NSW Park of the Year in their annual awards last week.
Council entered the awards following the completion of the Glen St Masterplan which provides the sports and recreation hub enjoyed by so many every day.
The Masterplan’s objective was to realise the social, recreational and environmental value of the park, fill service gaps in this area of the Northern Beaches and leverage the neighbouring Glen Street cultural hub and shopping precinct opposite the park.
Prior to the implementation there was a lack of facilities, maintenance issues and it simply wasn’t meeting the needs of our community. Over time it has been transformed into an all ages and abilities hub that is used all year round for sport, skating, family activities, dog walking, events and much more.
One of the key reasons for its success is the input from our stakeholders and community right from the start and during the many stages of development. We received great input from sporting groups, local schools, disability groups, the local agricultural society, bush regeneration groups and even the skatepark was designed by local teenagers. Plus lots of community members who live nearby.
Protecting the environment was key also key. The remnant Duffys Forest Endangered Ecological community has not only been protected but has been restored in areas and provides a beautiful natural setting for park. The large mature gum trees complement the more than 60 native trees we’ve planted and, alongside the new native gardens and weed removal, deliver important habitat for native animals.
Overall, the community-led project has meant that use has exploded and it’s a now real hive of activity. People in the local area now have facilities close to home, encouraging more physical activity and ultimately improving mental wellbeing. A great win for our community.
Key features of the Masterplan that have been delivered are:
- new synthetic sportsfield and upgrade of grassed playing fields that caters for cricket, football, AFL, touch football, rugby league and athletics
- five lit hard surface netball courts and 1 multi-use court for basketball as well
- enclosed five lane cricket practice facility
- new lighting for all sportsgrounds
- upgrade of the existing sports club, grandstand and community building facilities with improved amenities and storage
- upgrade of the Showground facilities that cater for horse / cultural events and our premier dog park, with re-use of excavated material from the synthetic field
- new regional all-abilities playground
- new skate park
- new car park that integrates best practice water sustainable urban design
- restoration of remnant Duffy’s Forest endangered ecological community
- over 800m of internal shared paths connecting to the shops, other facilities, Glen Street Theatre and community.