A young mother, supported by other residents, is campaigning to replace steep, dangerous steps leading to an underpass of the train line at Como with a more accessible option.
The subway, accessed from the northern end of Como Parade, provides Como West residents quick access to the pleasure grounds, cafes, swimming pools, Scylla Bay Oval and Como Hotel.
It is also on the Como Heritage and Environment Trail, which is expected to attract an increasing number of day-trippers after its official launch, which is imminent.
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Laura Cook, who launched an on-line petition, said the steps had "long prevented families with prams and young children, the elderly and less able-bodied residents from using this hugely valuable short-cut".
" I live just four minutes walk from the pleasure grounds, but have to drive 10-12 minutes in order to take my 18- month-old daughter to the park," she said.
Ms Cook said a Sutherland Shire Council heritage trail project officer advised her replacing the stairs with an accessible ramp had been considered, but had been ruled out because of the cost.
"When I heard the estimated cost, I thought, 'That's not astronomical - it sounds achievable'," Ms Cook said.
"I am no expert, but I think the council should give the matter serious consideration.
The opening of the heritage trail seems like the perfect opportunity to give it further thought
- Resident Laura Cook
"The opening of the heritage trail seems like the perfect opportunity to give it further thought."
The underpass and surrounds, including the steps, are on land owned by RailCorp, but managed by the council.
Under the agreement that governs the land, all upgrades, including funding, are the council's responsibility.
RailCorp would need to approve any development application and advise on conditions due to the proximity to the rail corridor.
A council spokeswoman said replacing the steps would be "a highly complex and costly proposal due to the topography".
The council's 2019 / 20 capital works program was focused on renewing community assets, including playgrounds, roads, footpaths and stormwater, she said.
The spokeswoman said the council was upgrading the path on the eastern side of the train line, leading to the old rail bridge.
A Sydney Trains spokesman said the steps were on RailCorp land, managed and maintained by the council, but it was happy to work with the council on any upgrade.
