Erskine Park's transformed oasis at Capella Reserve

Thursday, 16 May 2024

The natural beauty of Capella Reserve in Erskine Park has been revitalised by Penrith City Council.

The project, which was carried out in consultation with feedback from Erskine Park residents, has enhanced the reserve's functionality as a space for residents to enjoy a picnic, rest or walk.

The Capella Reserve upgrade features new spaces designed for socialising with additional seating areas installed as well as a shelter with an accessible picnic table, new bins and a water drinking fountain for convenience. To improve mobility and connectivity within the reserve, new pathways have been constructed. To complement the existing natural environment, new trees, shrubs and native grass have been planted alongside a unique sculpture, adding to the tranquility of the space. The sculpture, "Crown Shyness", is named after the natural phenomenon that sometimes occurs in forests where tree canopies do not touch. The sculpture represents the endangered Cumberland Plain Forest in the reserve and is a reminder to discover what is in the canopy and beyond.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the upgrades at Capella Reserve are an example of embracing the simplicity of open space to make improvements that boost usability for residents.

"We listened to the residents' feedback and incorporated their ideas into this project. Capella Reserve is an oasis right on the doorstep for residents to enjoy for a picnic or as a resting point on a stroll around the neighbourhood," said Cr Carney.

''The upgrades not only beautify the reserve but also make it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone in the community.''

The revitalisation of Capella Reserve is one of several open space projects funded by Penrith City Council through the Erskine Park Urban Reinvestment project (EKURP). As part of this project Council identified underutilised open space sites that needed an upgrade to meet resident’s expectations. As a result, six sites were rezoned for residential development with the sale proceeds directly funding improvements to targeted open space and public domain areas within Erskine Park.

Council has already forward funded $2.65 million of open space and public domain improvements including four kilometres of footpaths along Swallow and Peppertree loop Road, the redevelopment of Phoenix, Spica and Skylark Reserves, an amenity building and $300,000 in tree planting at Chameleon Reserve, and now the revitalisation of Capella Reserve.

The next step for Council’s EKURP project is to commence civil construction on the six residential sites to connect essential services and prepare them for sale. Council has appointed a contractor for the civil construction, with works expected to commence this year following neighbour notification.

For more information on EKURP go to penrith.city/erskineparkreinvestment and for information on Capella Reserve go to yoursaypenrith.com.au/capella

Photo captions:
Photo 1: The new sculpture, ‘Crown Shyness’ at Capella Reserve.
Photo 2: A new accessible picnic table and shelter in Capella Reserve.
Photo 3: New pathways allow greater connectivity within Capella Reserve.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 16 May 2024.