A new community park which is the final piece of the South Village development at Kirrawee was officially opened today and the community is invited to choose its name.
The 9000 square metre park was built by developer DEICORP as part of a planning agreement with Sutherland Shire Council and was officially opened one year after South Village shopping centre was completed.
The park features 2500sqm of grassed parkland surrounded by accessible pathways, landscaping, a shade feature, an amphitheatre, seating and trees for shade.
A number of established trees were retained at the site to save existing animal habitats.
There is also a 850sqm play space, which includes an adventure playground, half basketball court, flying fox, climbing structure, swings, slides, handball and hopscotch zone and fixed concrete table tennis tables.
Sutherland Shire Council general manager Manjeet Grewal said the park was the finishing touch on the "vibrant and growing" South Village community, while Aboriginal elder Deanna Schreiber said the "wonderful green space" that had been provided was great for the health and wellbeing of the community.
"I came here the other day and was very impressed. The facilities are great, especially for families and the elderly," Mrs Schreiber said.
DEICORP managing director Fouad Deiri said the open space was one of the most important aspects of the development because "this was what the community was all about".
"When I came out here this morning and saw children playing and people doing yoga I had a big smile on my face," he said.
Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce said he was thrilled to open the park, which would be enjoyed by all members of the community, whether enjoying a picnic or family game of cricket on the lawn or exploring the playground.
"This site has come a long way from being an unused industrial site to a significant open space that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the area for many years to come," Councillor Pesce said.
"I'm also excited to announce we are running a competition to name the park and I'm encouraging all residents to submit their suggestions.
"There are prizes to be won for the top three suggestions, before the public get to vote on their favourite."
Proposed names must adhere to Geographical Names Board principles and will have to fall into one of three categories; Kirrawee's natural features/flora and fauna, Sutherland Shire's history or Aboriginal culture and heritage.
Martina Dunphy of Kirrawee was at the opening with her son Koa, 2, and gave the park the thumbs up.
"I like it. It is close to shopping and home and school so I think we will use it a lot," she said.
Clare Pitfield, also of Kirrawee and mum to two children aged seven and three, said she loved the grassed area and the playground.
"We can scooter up here from home. It's different to other local parks. It's good for the bigger kids and the little ones," she said.
Belinda Hunt, of Kirrawee, said the park was a great addition to the South Village facilities and she had even marked the opening on her calendar.
"We will definitely come up here early before or after swimming lessons," she said, adding she thought the playground could do with more shade structures.
She also plans to enter the naming competition, and thought an Aboriginal word relating to flora or fauna would be the best option.
The council will submit the preferred entry to the Geographical Names Board (GNB) for approval.
Entries can be made online via the council's website until December 23.
To enter click here