Last Tuesday, Council adopted the Glen Street Open Space Landscape Masterplan which proposed the redevelopment of the Lionel Watts Reserve and the Frenchs Forest Showground.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said Council had identified a shortfall in recreational spaces in the region and was working to address the issue.

“I’m really glad Council resolved to construct a new inclusive regional playground at Lionel Watts Reserve.

“Together with the Glen Street Theatre and the recently opened Glen Street Library, the redeveloped open space consisting of Frenchs Forest Showground and Lionel Watts Reserve will provide the western area of the Northern Beaches Council region with a high quality and accessible precinct,” Mayor Regan said.

Apart from the playground, other major works in the Masterplan include a skate park and the laying of synthetic turf surfaces on three fields in the Lionel Watts sportsground. It also includes the construction of a showground carpark.

The Masterplan came out of an extensive community engagement program. Council received 110 submissions and discussed the Masterplan with approximately 80 people across two drop-in sessions.

“Generally the feedback was extremely favourable about the plan particularly the regional playground,” Mayor Regan said.

Construction of the Lionel Watts synthetic sportsground and new cricket nets is scheduled to begin in September this year and finish in April 2019.

Work on the playground is also scheduled to begin in September and finish in March 2019, while construction of the skate park should begin in May 2019.

Council will consult with the local community, in particular local youth in regard to the design for the skate park.