MEDIA RELEASE
Sutherland Shire Council is encouraging residents to provide input on how they use and appreciate some of our most loved local recreation areas, with a view to shaping the future use of four significant sites of importance for our community.
The call comes as Sutherland Shire Council kickstarts the process for drawing upon the insights and aspirations of the community through four separate masterplan projects which will shape the future of such important community assets as Gunnamatta Park and Tonkin Oval Precinct, The Ridge Sporting Complex, Kareela Reserve and Box Road Reserve.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said this is a great opportunity for residents to have their say on the future use of these popular open spaces, to ensure that they best meet the needs of generations to come.
“We are fortunate to live in an active community that strongly values and enjoys safe, accessible and diverse open spaces, which is why Council is committed to finding ways to improve the future use of recreation spaces to provide better opportunities for more people to get outside and lead an active lifestyle,” Mayor Pesce said.
“By engaging with residents on the initial phase in developing these masterplans, Council can better understand how and why our community values using these spaces and where we can improve these areas to increase community satisfaction.
“I hope many people will join in on these conversations and help shape the future of these four masterplans.”
Gunnamatta Park and Tonkin Oval Precinct is a large reserve on the shore of Gunnamatta Bay, Cronulla. Gunnamatta Park is heritage listed and includes a sheltered beach, netted tidal baths and jetty, open grassed areas, picnic tables and BBQs, a playground, amphitheatre, a large 200 seat picnic shelter and pavilion. Tonkin Oval adjoins Gunnamatta Park with a large oval for casual recreation and organised sport. The reserve provides access and views of Gunnamatta Bay and pathway connections which lead to Cronulla’s shopping precinct and train station.
The Ridge Sporting Complex in Barden Ridge is the premier sporting precinct in Sutherland Shire which provides a spectacular range of facilities, including an athletics track, multi-court synthetic netball fields, playing fields for soccer, cricket, rugby union and OzTag, and a 52-bay multi-deck golf driving range. The Ridge also includes a 954 square metre bicycle pump track with curves, dips and transitions for riders of all skill levels and ages to enjoy.
Kareela Reserve (encompassing Kareela Oval and Harrie Dening Soccer Centre) includes a series of sports fields catering for a diverse range of competition standards. It also includes extensive carparking, recreation spaces and link paths.
Box Road Reserve, Sylvania includes a mix of highly utilised sporting fields for a range of sports, the Sylvania Heights Community and Youth Club, hockey facilities, bushland, pathways and parking.
“We are seeking community feedback to ensure these plans are aligned with the needs of our community, as we know residents of all ages, interests and abilities value the opportunity to get outdoors and stay active,” Mayor Pesce said.
Residents can provide feedback on all four consultations until 31 August 2022, via: www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/jtc
Image: Gunamatta-Tonkin Oval Precinct
