Renewal of the popular riverside recreation area, Macquarie Park at Freemans Reach, is now complete, with new playground activities and amenities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Following close to $2 million in investment, with funding sources including the NSW Government's Places to Swim program ($839,400) and Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package ($600,000), along with a $550,000 contribution from Hawkesbury City Council, the project has breathed fresh life into the beloved riverside recreation space.
The works have created a greater number of and more diverse options for more people to safely enjoy fun and relaxation by the river, benefiting residents and visitors alike.
The expanded range of facilities includes new picnic areas adjacent to the riverbank that will include shade, seating, timber daybeds, tables, barbeques and drinking fountains. Access to the River by emergency services has also been bolstered through the construction of an emergency access ramp down to the beach area, meaning our SES, Ambulance and Police can get to the water faster and with reliability in times of need.
The existing picnic area has received an upgrade too, with new table settings and additional shade.
To encourage a broader range of visitors, upgrades to the existing playspace has been expanded so that it is more suitable for a regional destination park. This upgrade includes a new water play area with water pumps, sluice gates and a nature play creek bed. Other additions include a basket swing, a rope canoe swing spinner and nature balance play. The playspace upgrade is flood resilient and includes play that is suitable for all ages and abilities, including shade, trees and landscaping.
Safety has been a focus of these works. Along with the new emergency access ramp, landscaping works, upgraded safety signage and water quality advice have all been included to create a more visible, more informative location for visitors to safely enjoy. Council urges the community to always enjoy our local waterways safely.
Hawkesbury City Mayor Les Sheather said the works have breathed new life into the popular park.
"Residents and visitors alike have been telling us that the time is right for a major upgrade of Macquarie Park, and we have listened," Mayor Sheather said.
"Whether you are looking for an active family day out, a place to exercise or relax in the sun with friends, Macquarie Park is now one of the Hawkesbury's premier destinations.
"All across the Hawkesbury, major works are underway or about to begin at major sporting fields and recreation reserves, supporting our community's desire for a healthy and active lifestyle with a variety of different activities to enjoy.
"I thank the State Government for their generous contribution to Macquarie Park."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said these works have renewed Macquarie Park delivering a great place for the Hawkesbury community to relax and play.
"The upgrades have provided a new place to cool off this summer with increased shade, a new interactive kids splash park and new seating areas to escape the heat," Mr Scully said.
"The NSW Government are building better communities and that means investing in quality open spaces like Macquarie Park."
The works were identified in the Macquarie Park Plan of Management and Masterplan, which was developed from community feedback in 2020, and adopted by Council in August 2023.
An official opening event will be announced in the coming weeks.
