Penrith families, teenagers and young children are set to have more exciting spaces to enjoy when the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct opens this year.
Penrith City Council says construction of the youth precinct is progressing, with asphalt laid for a 245-metre pump track, beginner and intermediate skate bowls built within the skate park, floodlighting installed, and two multi-sport courts surfaced.
Council has also installed a variety of equipment for all ages in the new children’s play areas, with a large water play area a key feature of the design as well as a flying fox, climbing tower, slides, accessible spinners and trampolines.
Parkour equipment, outdoor table tennis, a toilet block, public artwork, seating, shelters, and bike racks are also due to be installed in the youth precinct.
Mayor, Todd Carney said it was important for young residents to have spaces that encouraged them to play, be active and socialise.
“We listened to the community who told us play areas, and particularly water play, was most important to them in the design of Gipps Street,” he said.
“The play area will be located close to car parking and the main amenities building with toilet facilities to make it as easy as possible for families to bring their kids and spend time here.
“The community also voiced strong support for more sports courts and a skate park with pump track, so I’m thrilled that Council is delivering this plus plenty more for teenagers to enjoy in the youth precinct.”
Once complete, the 32-hectare precinct will also feature floodlit sports fields, netball courts, cricket practice facilities, a floodlit dog park, outdoor fitness equipment, amenities building with canteen, picnic areas, walking trails, and car parking.
The $44.5 million Gipps Street Recreation Precinct project is proudly funded by Council and the NSW Government, who are contributing a combined $13.5 million.
NSW Government funding includes the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program ($7 million), Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund ($5 million), Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund ($1 million), and the Places to Play Program ($500,000).
Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Londonderry, Prue Car said the community has waited almost 20 years for this to become a reality and she is thrilled that it is finally coming to life.
“The precinct is a great example of governments – local and state – working together for the benefit for the local community who will soon be able to enjoy state-of-the-art facilities right on their doorstep.”
The Gipps Street Recreation Precinct is due to open mid-2024.
