Wollongong City Council has released its future plans for three parks and reserves in Gwynneville.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Situated along Fairy Creek and next to the M1 motorway, Wiseman’s Park, Greenacre Road Reserve and Gilmore Park will be improved with better access, new playgrounds, sports facilities and a network of new paths.
Under the draft master plan, now open for public comment, the council would install a walk and cycle path along the old Mount Keira mine tram line with interpretive artwork about the history of the site.
Read more: Next steps for Beaton Park overhaul
Gilmore Park would benefit from a new exercise station and “parkour fitness” area, and new street trees would be planted along Greenacre Road.
At the popular recreation precinct around Wiseman’s Park, the council would significantly upgrade the sporting facilities, the draft plan says.
The grassed embankment around the cricket oval will be regarded to form informal seating, and the amenities block will be replaced with new change rooms, storage and accessible public toilets.
The sports field lighting would also be upgraded, and the children’s playground would be improved and moved away from busy Gipps Road.
Also on Gipps Road, a “village square” would be created, with paving, street furniture, plants and art work, and the council would also investigate pedestrian safety improvements along the street.
The William Wiseman Memorial statue – which commemorates an influential councillor and mayor from the late 19th century who helped to establish the railway, court house and Port Kembla breakwater – will be moved to a more prominent position within the park.
The master plan, which is being developed alongside a future strategy to expand the neighbouring Beaton Park sports precinct, has been in the works since 2013 and was sparked by community interest in the reserve.
The council says it will “protect and enhance the natural areas of the reserve; propose improved and safer pathways and connections for pedestrians and cyclists; and suggest ways of maintaining and complementing the park areas and sporting facilities within the reserve”.
Funding has already been allocated to replace the amenities block, and build a pathway between Greenacre Road and Acacia Avenue.
Consultation on the draft master plan will be open until May 25, with an information day and site walk being held in Wiseman’s Park this Saturday.
To register for the walk, contact Council's Engagement Team on (02) 4227 7111 or at engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au