A plan to turn Penshurst Park into a “sports hub” comes before the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel for a final decision today.
The plan has concerned residents who fear the planned sports hub will eat into the only open green space within a 600-metre radius of over 700 apartments.
The Penshurst Park Sporting Hub includes extension of the Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre, a new indoor cricket centre, synthetic football field, grandstand, amenity buildings and passive recreation area.
Before the IHAP today is the first stage of the project, demolition of the bowling greens and construction of the indoor cricket centre, turf practice wickets, public nets and 26 additional car spaces.
The council extended the public exhibition period after residents living near the park complained about the lack of time to comment.
Kathryn Skelsey started an online petition calling on Georges River Council to keep Penshurst Park a freely accessible, relaxing, natural space for the local community.
“There are people from Hurstville who come down to use the netball courts or to let their children ride their bikes. They don’t have anywhere else to go, yet they didn’t know about the plans for the park,” she said.
Residents believe the cricket centre will be mainly used by clubs from outside the area and said there are larger parks such as Gannons Park, Olds Park, Renown Park and Peakhurst Park that could be used.
Members of the IHAP will hold a site inspection of the park today between 1pm and 3pm today and Ms Skelsey is encouraging residents to attend.
Following this, the meeting will adjourn to the Hurstville Civic Centre, MacMahon Street, Hurstville at 4pm for a hearing and final decision.
The residents’ petition and Facebook site is at: https://penshurstpark.wordpress.com/
