Council investing in a healthy and active community

Tuesday, 3 December 2019

Penrith City Council has released a 15-year draft Penrith Sport and Recreation Strategy, which will include new sporting facility and playground projects and significant improvements to current facilities. 

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the draft plan includes 82 proposed projects valued at $125 million to be delivered in the first five years, making first class recreation and sport facilities available for local residents close to home. 

“The plan proposes a number of exciting sporting facility and playground projects, such as the provision of an outdoor gym in Chapman Gardens, the creation of a multi-purpose recreation space in Cambridge Gardens and Bennett Park, among others,” Cr Fowler said.

“It also proposes the city’s first synthetic sportsground to be installed at Jamison Park by 2021, with further sports amenity upgrades completed at Mulgoa Rise, Hunter Fields, Roper Rd, Leonay Oval, and Parkes Ave. Recent investment has seen the completion of new play and recreation facilities at Robin Wiles and Mulgoa Park.

“Our community values access to open space close to natural landscapes and has a strong desire to protect and enhance the local environment,” he said.

“The plan meets these values as well as our aim of providing residents in established suburbs with up-to-date facilities while making new sports fields, play grounds and parks available in new areas for when residents arrive.”

Council has secured almost $30 million in grant funding over the last 18 months through programs offered by the Federal and State Governments and other agencies. Projects included in the $125 million package include new and upgraded open space, play, sport and recreation facilities.

Penrith General Manager Warwick Winn said the Strategy provides a framework for the planning, design and management of local open spaces and recreational facilities.

“With 1,200 hectares of open space and hundreds of different facilities across the greater council area, Council recognises the importance of preserving and maintaining local recreational and green spaces for current and future residents.

“The Penrith Sport and Recreation Strategy includes clear guidelines designed to ensure future developments provide the appropriate type, quantity and quality of open space, recreational areas and facilities,” Mr Winn said.

The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the draft Penrith Sport and Recreation Strategy when it is placed on public exhibition between January and March next year.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Tuesday, 3 December 2019.