The project aims to deliver planned community infrastructure improvements outlined in the Council endorsed Sue Savage Reserve Master Plan. This project will provide an engaging recreation space for children of all ages. As identified in the master plan, the project will also provide additional carparking and public toilets to support the expanded uses of the park improvements.
From the Council endorsed Sue Savage Reserve Master Plan (2016), Council officers have also undertaken additional community consultation sessions with the community. These sessions assisted in fine tuning the design into a detailed landscape concept design.
Since undertaking that consultation a couple of years ago, Council has been exploring funding opportunities to deliver the works on site. The project will deliver a new skate park, BMX pump track, fitness equipment, amenities (toilet) building, additional car park, improved localised drainage works and park furniture.
The City of Parramatta was successful in obtaining funding through the NSW Government’s ‘Western Sydney Infrastructure’ grant program. Combined with a funding contribution from the City of Parramatta, Council is now able to deliver the planned improvement works.
To align with the master plan, Council will be delivering the scope of work identified and as shown in the existing landscape concept design. Excluded from the scope of works is waterplay for the playground, a formal sports field, additional lighting and there will be no construction works to be undertaken within the existing bushland area.
Currently, people who drive to access the reserve park their vehicles on Chanel Street and reduces the available on street parking for the adjoining residents. With the improvement works planned, this will increase the park visitation and the requirement for more parking. To alleviate this need, Council will be delivering additional car space on the reserve edge and along Chanel Street. This additional parking will help with the car parking issues.
The proposed improvements are placed across the top of the flood levy embankment. The proposed works, like the existing playground, will be positioned within the highest locations of the flood levy bank and above the higher risk areas of the creek.
Due to the large catchment area and the volume of water from significant rainfall events, the elimination of flooding on Chanel Street cannot be achieved through this project, however, Council will make improvements that can help. The car park works will include additional drainage pits and upsize existing pipes within Chanel Street. The additional drainage pits will enable rainwater from the early stages of a rainfall event to move faster through the improved drainage system. Additionally, the new drainage pipes will be increased in size to remove rainwater quicker. Council will realign drainage pipes to improve the efficiency of water movement. Although this will help remove the initial rainfall, during prolonged periods of rain, where the creek floods, water will continue to surcharge back through the drainage system.
The proposed works will not have an impact on the structural integrity of the flood levy bank.
Council will soon move to a public tender phase to appoint a construction contractor to undertake the works on site. The tender process will occur over the coming months. At this stage, construction is likely to occur in early 2025.
Stage 1 consultation - community survey
Ninety-two people responded to a first round of consultation promoted in September 2022 about features and elements for the pump track. Top ranked features were:
- Banked corners or berms - 84%
- Rollers/Moguls - 83%
- Rollable Jumps / Take off and landings - 79%
- Rollable hip jumps - 70%
The consultation found community members would like the pump track to cater for all skill levels with the most favoured at a beginner and intermediate level.
Progression lines for skill development was also a theme.
There were comments around safe riding for all ages and for the pump track to suit riders of all wheeled disciplines with the most popular being mountain bikes, BMX and scooter riders.
The community also shared images from other places they had visited - some larger in scale than what can be catered to on the site.
There are a few respondents opposed to the facility, concerned about the safety and attraction of users from other suburbs and areas to the proposed location.
Stage 2 - draft concept plan
In November 2022, Council invited further feedback on the draft concept plan, informed by the Stage 1 survey.
- 62 people filled in the online survey
- 63% potential users
- 63% were parents/guardians
- 13% potential spectators
- 5% other
Comments included:
“I would ride there with my teens”
“I would also use this as a teacher at the local school. I would bring my cycling sport group here”
“I am really excityed for this development, both for my own family and for the community to stay/get active and enjoy this corridor.”
Community response
The majority of people who responded to the survey supported the design with positive comments and suggestions.
- 95% support the concept design
- 5% did not support it
Comments included:
“Would have liked one of the intermediate tracks to be a different shape or more irregular.”
“It looks amazing!! So exciting if this goes ahead.”
“I don’t know whether it is already provided, but it would be important for the beginners track to have lines & markings on the track to 1) separate into two lanes travelling in opposite directions 2) indicate directions of travels (arrows).”
There were also suggestions for additional amenities: providing shady areas to sit and watch, access to drinking water, and consideration of flood mitigation in the area. Thank you to all who participated.
There is currently no plan to upgrade the existing playground at Sue Savage/Reynolds Park with the focus on delivering the diverse range of passive and multi-generational recreational activities and facilities through funding provided by the NSW Government's Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program.
