The $2 million upgrade of the Frenchs Forest showground is now complete.

The upgrade works lasted six months and included fencing and landscaping improvements, 800 metres of shared paths and a new 50-space car park.

The new showground is the latest stage of works to be completed under the Glen Street Open Space Masterplan.

Mayor Michael Regan said the local community would be very pleased with the new showground.

“The upgrade works have significantly improved the visual impact of the entire area and include a modern car park and a shared path for all. The new irrigation and drainage arrangements will mean the showground’s turf remains lush and green and that the management of the field is sustainable into the future.

“We are very proud of the fact that while work was underway, the showground was open to the dog-walking community at all times.”

The Showground provides a large space for dogs to run and play, while small and shy dogs have the option of an adjacent smaller, fully fenced area that has been set aside for their use.

More than 20 new Blackbutt trees have been planted around the area and the new showground fence is in keeping with the agricultural feel of the ground, which was designed for horses as well as horse and agricultural shows.

The new car park drains into a bio-swale to filter the water before it enters the stormwater network and Council has also restored the remnant Duffy’s Forest ecological community along Pringle Avenue as part of the project.

Apart from the showground, the Glen Street Open Space Masterplan included the redevelopment of the Lionel Watts Reserve, which encompassed a new inclusive playground, the upgrade of the Western amenities, the laying of synthetic turf surfaces on three fields in the Lionel Watts sportsground, new cricket nets and a skate park.

Minor park upgrades, the installation of fitness equipment and the upgrade of the eastern amenities are all scheduled to completed over the next few years.

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