North Ryde Council approves major upgrades for Blenheim Park

Under a new masterplan endorsed by Sydney's North Ryde Council, Blenheim Park will be expanded and have a greater range of diverse and inclusive facilities to cater to the entire community.

The masterplan was developed following extensive community consultation and is part of the City of Ryde’s commitment to creating well-connected and modern open spaces for the City’s growing population.

The implementation of the master plan will occur over a number of stages as funding becomes available.

Funding for the first three stages has been identified in Council ‘s Four Year Delivery Plan.

Key features of the masterplan include:

• Two new multi-use courts, a small skate park, table tennis and social spaces with inclusive designs

• A major upgrade to the existing playground which will include water play, sand play, a flying fox, age appropriate play areas as well as inclusive play equipment

• A new fenced dog off-leash area with shade areas, seating, dog bowl, waste facilities and paths

• A new radio control car track with spectator area, pit area and storage facilities

• Green open spaces for picnics or kick about activities

• Picnic areas with shelter and barbecue facilities

• New fitness equipment stations

• Upgraded amenity building

• Parking improvements onsite and on Blenheim Road

• New park access, pathways and lighting improvements

• Improvements to environmental aspects including a biodiversity corridor and bioswale channels.

In addition, the masterplan will result in the permanent closure of the northern section of the Blenheim Road reserve, with this area becoming part of the expanded park.

City of Ryde Mayor, Jerome Laxale, said providing first-class parks, playgrounds and open spaces was a key priority of this Council and noted “A few years ago, Blenheim Park was under risk of high-rise development. After Council intervened, it will now become of Sydney’s best parks.

“This masterplan will transform Blenheim Park into a high-quality open space with modern facilities, improved connections with surrounding areas and much-needed environmental improvements.

Works and Community Committee Chair, Penny Pedersen added “before I was on Council I fought alongside the community against high-rise development in Blenheim Park. I am thrilled that the newly endorsed masterplan has been guided by the feedback received from the locals who use it, and caters for all ages and interests, ensuring it will meet the needs of our residents for generations to come.”

Image courtesy of City of Ryde Council