Construction on the $6.9 million second stage of the Rydalmere Park Masterplan is officially underway following a sod turning ceremony this morning.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Steven Issa joined Member for Parramatta Dr Geoff Lee, president of Rydalmere Football Club Peter Bacha, head of football at Rydalmere Lions Football Club Simon Doueihi, and Rosehill Ward Councillor Andrew Wilson in turning the sod at Rydalmere Park, marking an exciting next step in the delivery of the Rydalmere Park Masterplan.
“It’s fantastic to see this much-anticipated upgrade to Rydalmere Park progressing with Stage Two of this important community project now underway. Once complete, our residents and local sporting clubs will have a new and improved facility for sport, recreation, and leisure,” Cr Issa said.
“These works will see Rydalmere Park transformed into a high-performance sports hub with first-class soccer fields and cricket nets, which will help local athletes to develop and refine their skills. Our state-of-the-art facilities will also have the potential to attract elite teams, including those in need of a training ground while competing in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
As part of the Stage Two works, the park’s southern playing fields will be upgraded with new turf, as well as drainage, irrigation and improved lighting. A stormwater reuse tank will be installed, along with spectator seating, cricket practice nets, a new cricket pitch, picnic tables and bubblers. The South Street and Park Road carparks will also be upgraded.
“Our local sporting facilities are important assets to our growing community and play a key role in the health and wellbeing of our residents,” Cr Issa said.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the project will provide a vibrant and diverse hub in Greater Western Sydney.
“This investment will ensure more locals have the opportunity to enjoy and take part in a wide range of sport and recreation activities,” Mr Lee said.
“Whether you play tennis, bowls, football or want to make use of the open space, there will be something for everyone.”
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the NSW Government is investing in new and existing facilities to improve the quality and quantity of sports infrastructure across the State.
“The NSW Government is committed to creating spaces and facilities that will meet the current and future needs of communities and support participation at all levels,” Mrs Ward said.
“Having access to high quality sport and active recreation facilities means people have the opportunity to be healthy and active.”
Stage One of the Masterplan, which included a synthetic turf on the northern field, a synthetic warm-up area, new lighting, fencing, and spectator seating, was completed in May 2020.
The upgrades have been funded through the NSW Government’s Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund and City of Parramatta Council.
Stage Two is expected to be completed by mid-2022.
