City of Parramatta is a fast growing and diverse community, with increasing numbers of young people living, studying and socialising across the area. Council recognises that young people need safe, welcoming and enjoyable public spaces designed specifically for them.
Many parks and play spaces across the City are designed primarily for younger children. Council’s Community Infrastructure Strategy identifies a gap in facilities for teenagers and young adults. While approximately 15% of the population is aged 18 to 24, only around 2% of the existing play space network caters for young people aged 13 and over.
To help address this gap, Council secured $1.5 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program to support the delivery of youth-focused recreational infrastructure.
The Active Youth are Healthy Youth project aims to create spaces that support young people. As part of this initiative, Rangihou Reserve has been identified as a suitable location for youth-focused recreational facilities in the Dundas Ward, helping to expand opportunities for young people to gather, play and stay active within their local community.
What we heard from Phase One engagement
Phase one engagement took place between 18 March and 15 April 2025, inviting young people and the community to share ideas about youth spaces in the City of Parramatta.
Engagement activities included:
- Online surveys and digital engagement
- Social media promotion
- Pop-up consultation at Council’s Family Movie Night events
- Community activities such as dotmocracy voting and open idea boards
Guided by youth input, the features shown in the project vision illustrate a community-driven design that supports connection, creativity, and enjoyment for people of all ages.
This feedback has shaped the project vision, which is focused on creating a welcoming space that can grow over time into a lively community hub. The vision is brought to life through a mix of key youth spaces such as an amphitheatre, adventure space, multi-purpose half courts and social hubs, supported by practical features like seating, lighting, toilets, accessible pathways, landscaping and bike facilities. Together, these elements aim to create a place that brings people together and reflects the energy, creativity and diversity of young people in Parramatta.
Key priorities identified by the community
Participants highlighted a range of ideas for youth-focused spaces. Some of the most popular suggestions included:
- ‘Ninja-Warrior’ style obstacle course and adventure play structures
- Stage performance space with vibrant colours line markings
- Connected paths for cycling and walking
- Outdoor fitness equipment and multi-purpose court area
- Public art and creative spaces
- Social areas for young people to gather
These ideas have helped inform the draft Concept Design now on public exhibition.
