Heritage Oak Tree takes centre stage

Published on 14 May 2020

A new park in Schofields is rapidly nearing completion and could be ready for post COVID-19 fun and recreation.

The major work has been completed on the $840,600 park at the corner of Oallen Place and Bannaby Crescent, Schofields, with residents set to enjoy their new park in July.

Centre of attention in the new park is an ancient, heritage-listed Oak Tree that is more than 100 years old.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said, “We have preserved this majestic Oak Tree not only as a focal point in the new park but also as a link to the region’s farmland heritage.

“According to the old parish map of the area, this land was part of a property named Alcoynton owned by Mr Robert Fopp.

“Early last century there would have been farm animals sheltering under this Oak Tree, soon you’ll see families relaxing under those same branches.

“There is seating, paths and shade included to make the park as comfortable, accessible and inclusive to as many people in the community as possible.

“Blacktown City has the greatest area of open space of any Council area in the Sydney metropolitan region with 34 square kilometres of parks, reserves and playing fields.

“Council is committed to providing the best possible recreation facilities for our residents in more than 400 parks and 1000 reserves across the City.” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The works go well beyond the playground area with more than 800 additional native trees, grasses and shrubs being planted along the creek line and throughout the park, providing a natural habitat for the native bird and animal population.

The playground area includes a swing set with an inclusive net swing, in-ground trampolines, a fort including viewing platforms and slide, a net bridge and several climbing structures.

Councillors Chris Quilkey and Moninder Singh joined Mayor Tony Bleasdale in checking out the facilities and Oak Tree in the new park in Schofields.