Stage one of Caddies Creek Reserve open

Published on 14 August 2018

Pictured: Councillor Frank De Masi, Ray Williams MP, Deputy Mayor Robyn Preston, Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Sydney Water Property Portfolio Manager Grant May and Councillor Dr Peter Gangemi.

Stage One of Caddies Creek Reserve is now complete with a range of exciting play equipment and family-friendly facilities open for residents and visitors to enjoy.

A children’s playground and more than two kilometres of shared pedestrian/cycle paths incorporating four new bridges was declared open by the Local Member for Castle Hill, Ray Williams MP, the Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne and Grant May, the Property Portfolio Manager at Sydney Water on Monday, August 13, 2018.

Mayor Byrne, who joined her fellow Councillors, including Deputy Mayor Robyn Preston, Councillor Dr Peter Gangemi and Councillor Frank De Masi at the opening, said the new playground was essential for the growing needs of The Hills Shire community.

“It’s really satisfying to be able to provide these facilities for residents,” Mayor Byrne said.

“I want to thank Ray Williams MP for his instrumental role in assisting Council to secure this land for sporting fields on behalf of the growing community and Sydney Water for providing the land to build these wonderful new community assets.

"Once all stages have been completed, Caddies Creek Reserve will be one of the region’s top parks and recreational destinations with exciting facilities for sporting clubs, families and for the broader community,” Mayor Byrne added.

Mr May said Sydney Water was proud of the progress that had been made to transform the land into a recreational destination.

“We are pleased to be partnering with The Hills Shire Council to enable some exciting recreational opportunities for local residents,” Mr May said.

“While accommodating these new facilities the project also reflects Sydney Water’s core responsibilities to protect people and property from flooding and to protect and improve the health of our local waterways.”

Mr Williams said he was pleased with the work that had been done and looked forward to the new sporting fields coming to fruition.  

“It is vital our community has the necessary open space and playing fields so our young people can participate in healthy outdoor activities,” Mr Williams said.

 “Playing sports is natural for children growing up in The Hills, not only does it promote healthy opportunities but brings the entire community together through volunteer participation with our many sporting clubs.” 

 The new playground includes a play unit with a slippery dip, climbing equipment, giant swing, trampoline, carousel and shade sails which provide weather protection.

 A drinking fountain and a shelter with picnic table settings were also incorporated into the overall design.

 And while the community can now enjoy the playground and pedestrian cycle paths, work will continue on Stage Two of the design, which is scheduled to be completed in January 2019.

Once completed, Caddies Creek Reserve will include four new sporting fields, two amenities buildings and abundant parkland.

The works have incorporated major environmental initiatives, including water recycling and environmental restoration such as the removal of weeds and planting of approximately 10,000 new native trees, shrubs and groundcovers.

The project was made possible after Council and Sydney Water entered into a long-term lease agreement, which would see Sydney Water owned land developed for sporting and recreational use for residents.