A revamped Arthur Phillip Park has officially reopened, revealing a $1.24 million upgrade of the Northmead public space.
Transformed into a “modern facility”, the park now features a larger playground with an accessible play space, nature play area, a half-court basketball space, a climbing tower, additional picnic and BBQ areas.
New drinking water fountains, waste bins and new solar pathway lighting have also been installed, with landscaping and tree planting offering shade throughout the park.
To thank the community for its contribution towards the park, the official reopening was marked with a free outdoor cinema event for locals, along with live music, outdoor games, children’s workshops and roving entertainment.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber said the outdoor cinema event was a great opportunity for the community to enjoy free activities during the school holidays and experience the improved park.
“Our community played a significant role in shaping the improvements for our much-loved park and we’re proud to deliver this significant recreational space with more shade and picnic areas that our community need,” he added.
“We know how important open spaces are to our local schools, sporting groups and residents, these upgrades will provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun throughout the year.”
These upgrades now complete Stage 1 of the Arthur Phillip Master Plan, with Council confirming they are currently pursuing additional funding to deliver the following stages.
Adopted by Council in July 2021, the renewed master plan for Arthur Phillip Park aims to provide a long-term future vision and statutory requirement to fund new district-level recreational facilities and amenities.
The NSW Government contributed $1.15 million to the park upgrade through its Public Spaces Legacy Program Funding.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said he is plead the State Government has been able to support additional growth in the area by delivering critical infrastructure and high-quality open space to support more homes.
“Arthur Phillip Park has been transformed into a beautiful space which will be enjoyed by families and local sporting groups for decades to come,” Scully said.
“Parramatta is a thriving area and the Government knows that to support a growing community, we must provide the infrastructure. Only last year we announced an injection of $10.6 million to fast-track a pedestrian link through Parramatta.”
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.