A Master Plan to increase the capacity of play at George Thornton Reserve in West Pennant Hills has been formally adopted, with one minor adjustment being made after community feedback.
Approximately 56 submissions were received on the Draft Master Plan - including several from local sports clubs representing their members - which proposed to refresh the existing facility to create three full-sized sports fields. In addition to this, the Plan included the capacity to extend the car park and the amenities building and transform one field into a synthetic field if funding became available and Council chooses to do so.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said Council considered all the suggestions – a majority in support of the Plan.
"It's fantastic to see so many people providing feedback on our vision for George Thornton Reserve. It shows how invested they are in this facility and that they want the best outcome possible," Mayor Gangemi said.
"We took into account all the suggestions and we've decided to reposition the proposed cricket practice nets to a north-south orientation as requested by the community.
"I want to thank residents and user groups of the facility for taking the time to provide a response. We are now in a place where we can make this vision a reality.
"This is a fantastic outcome that will ensure our current and future residents of West Pennant Hills have a place where they can enjoy sport and recreation for years to come," Mayor Gangemi added.
Following this, Council will carry out staged works at the Reserve, with construction of the additional field scheduled to commence later this year, with works also to include associated sports field lighting, drainage and irrigation.
The cricket practice nets will also be relocated during this stage of development to a north-south orientation as requested in the submissions and if funding permits.
