Temora Shire Council has endorsed the final plans for Bradley Park.
It’s now hoped construction for the upgrade will begin early next year.
Council has submitted a funding application of $345,000 to the NSW Government’s Places to Play program to undertake the project, and is also committing $50,000 as a co-contribution.
Some of the key features of the park will include a bike riding pump track, new play equipment, low screen and buffer planting, a small rocky creek with bridges, footpaths, a toilet, seating amenities and new trees.
The park, located between Chifley and Hyde Streets, will also incorporate Indigenous themes.
Over the past few months, council officers have worked with Department of Planning and Environment consultants to develop the plans.
Extensive community consultation also took place, particularly with the Temora Youth Team, Temora High School’s Aboriginal Education team and primary school students attending out of school hours’ care.
Just prior to developing the plans, site inspections by both the department, design consultants Place Design Group, and council staff took place.
Feedback was sought from landowners and residents adjacent to the park, as well as the broader community.
Temora Shire Council’s Town Planner, Claire Golder, said the feedback indicated unanimous support for the build.
“We had quite a lot of useful responses and some successful focus groups as part of consultation. It was important to hear from youngsters as well as those nearby the park.
All ideas were formulated into the final designs,” Ms Golder said.
“The only real concerns came from adjoining land owners over the selection of trees.
They don’t want them to grow too tall and pose a risk of falling over during storms and damaging private infrastructure. So, our selection of appropriate species will be important in curbing that risk.
“I’d say construction will take several months which will also be dependent on the weather.
Earthworks to construct the pump track will need to be undertaken and we’re not sure at this stage how long it will take to order equipment.
“Overall, I think everyone is excited about the project and are eager to see new life breathed into Bradley Park,” Ms Golder said.