Camden Council is celebrating a major achievement, with the Nepean River Trail named Park of the Year at the Parks and Leisure Australia Awards.
The prestigious award recognises the project’s outstanding contribution to recreation, environmental restoration, cultural engagement and community wellbeing, placing Camden among the nation’s leaders in innovative public open space design and management.
The Nepean River Trail is a 4.2-kilometre recreational destination that creates a continuous 64-hectare precinct connecting Camden Town Centre, Fergusons Reserve Cricket Facility and Camden Town Farm to the Nepean River. Through pathways, boardwalks, public art, viewing platforms and restored natural landscapes, the Nepean River Trail celebrates Camden’s unique heritage, culture and environment while providing inclusive opportunities for active and passive recreation.
Designed around the principles of people, place and story, the Nepean River Trail has transformed the river corridor into a vibrant destination where residents and visitors can connect with nature, learn about local history and enjoy world-class public open space.
The trail had 20,000 visitations in the first 12 months of use which was significantly exceeded leading into the second year.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said the award was a proud moment for the entire Camden community.
“This is an incredible achievement for Camden and a testament to the vision, dedication and hard work of everyone involved in bringing the Nepean River Trail to life,” Cr Fedeli said.
“The Nepean River Trail has become one of Camden’s most treasured destinations, providing a place where people can walk, cycle, relax, connect with nature and learn about the rich stories that have shaped our area.
“To see this project recognised as Park of the Year is a wonderful acknowledgement and is recognition that belongs to our entire community. We’re so proud to have created a destination that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”
The award, announced last night, celebrates and promotes vibrant, successful well designed and managed new or significantly revitalised parks/open spaces that exemplify best practice in design and management by ‘The People Behind the Places’. It recognises projects that enhance biodiversity, habitat co-location, livability and that connect and celebrate the communities’ culture and heritage.
For more information on the Nepean River Trail, visit camden.nsw.gov.au/parks-and-recreation/public-spaces-legacy-project-nepean-river-trail
