During the community engagement period (6 November 2023 – 1 December 2023), we received a high level of community interest in the project. Through our conversations and the online feedback we heard there was overall support for upgrades in the Ewen Park precinct.

Over the course of the engagement period:

• The Have Your Say page was viewed by 1,349 people;
• Two community pop-up sessions were held; and
• 40 people provided feedback via Have Your Say, and a further six direct submissions were received.

Council would like to acknowledge the detailed contributions received and thank the community for their support and engagement with this project.

Further updates on each of the project elements can be found below.

Play Space

Residents were encouraged to provide input into the design of the play space through direct feedback or voting on their preferred equipment choices.

Key themes emerging from the submissions were:

• Support for the concept design and upgrade of the play space;
• Diversity in play equipment for a range of ages;
• Provision of shade;
• Consideration of the local environment;
• Additional tree plantings and landscaping; and
• Requests for additional supporting infrastructure, such as a drinking fountain, more bins and additional shade. Many of these requests have now been included in the revised design.

Council has now revised the design based on this feedback. Construction of the new Play Space is proposed early to mid 2025.

Shared Path Upgrade

Residents also had an opportunity to provide their input into the proposed upgrades of the shared path between Foord Avenue and Ewen Park.

Key themes emerging from the submissions were:

Importance of the shared path as an active transport and recreation route;

Congestion along the path given its popularity and the variety of users (pedestrians and cyclists);

Impact of water pooling along sections of the path;

Improve safety and useability;

Mixed levels of support for providing lighting along the path; and

Consideration of the local environment, both flora and fauna, including the Tawny Frogmouths.

Council is currently finalising the design of the shared path upgrade. Following community feedback, improved drainage and raised surface levels are being considered for a section of the path that was susceptible to localised flooding during wet weather. The final design for the widened path will then be submitted to Transport for NSW for approval.

Council is also reviewing options following feedback on the proposed lighting upgrade.

Construction of the shared path is anticipated for early to mid-2025 and will be phased with the construction of the Play Space to minimise impact and disruption.