Wollondilly Shire Council has endorsed a…

Wollondilly Shire Council has endorsed an updated implementation plan for the Thirlmere Memorial Park and Thirlmere Sportsground Master Plan, and can now move forward with the delivery of the plan to upgrade the facilities in the heart of the town.

Following adoption of the amended plan at Tuesday night’s meeting Council can get on with the implementation of the plan at both sites, including the playground upgrade and design work for the new multipurpose building.

Mayor Matt Gould said, “The vision for Memorial Park and Thirlmere Sportsground is to create an active and vibrant green space that provides for the social and recreational needs of the community.”

“Now that we have the amended implementation plan in place, we can get on with this exciting work, including the upgrade of the playground and design of the multipurpose building.”

“Valuable input from stakeholders and the community through two rounds of community consultation has helped shape the vision, principles, and design options for the two sites.”

“This area is the heart of Thirlmere and is very important to the community. I look forward to seeing the various aspects of the Master Plan take place as the funding becomes available.”

Council has considered funding strategies for the Memorial Park and the Sportsground and will consider allocating funding towards the implementation of the Master Plan in future capital works programs, while proactively seeking grant funding.

Following a period of community engagement in 2023-24, the Master Plan updates included removal of the proposed tennis courts and clubhouse from the sportsground Master Plan, allowing for an extended activity zone or extended carpark with new public amenities integrated into the multi-purpose amenities building.

The plan has also retained the existing Scout Hall with the option to incorporate it into the new multi-purpose building.

The Memorial Park section of the Master Plan leaves the tennis courts in their current location with a gate that allows for overflow during big events such as Anzac Day.

It allows for a possible alternate location for the amenities block and music shelter that would provide an option for the extension of the playground, with the final location to be determined in the detailed design phase.