Residents are being asked to complete a survey as Sutherland Shire Council begins work on preparing draft masterplans for four more sporting and recreation precincts.
The masterplans will cover the Gunnamatta Park and Tonkin Oval precinct, The Ridge Sporting Complex, Kareela Reserve and Box Road Reserve.
The council says the survey, which "should take around 5-10 minutes to complete", will help shape the future of the areas.
Mayor Carmelo Pesce said the council wanted to "provide better opportunities for more people to get outside and lead an active lifestyle".
"By engaging with residents on the initial phase in developing these masterplans, council can better understand how and why our community values using these spaces and where we can improve these areas to increase community satisfaction," he said.
"I hope many people will join in on these conversations and help shape the future of these four masterplans."
The scope of the masterplans:
Gunnamatta Park and Tonkin Oval Precinct is a large reserve on the shore of Gunnamatta Bay, Cronulla. Gunnamatta Park is heritage listed and includes a sheltered beach, netted tidal baths and jetty, open grassed areas, picnic tables and BBQs, a playground, amphitheatre, a large 200 seat picnic shelter and pavilion. Tonkin Oval adjoins Gunnamatta Park with a large oval for casual recreation and organised sport. The reserve provides access and views of Gunnamatta Bay and pathway connections which lead to Cronulla's shopping precinct and train station.
The Ridge Sporting Complex in Barden Ridge is the premier sporting precinct in Sutherland Shire which provides a spectacular range of facilities, including an athletics track, multi-court synthetic netball fields, playing fields for soccer, cricket, rugby union and OzTag, and a 52-bay multi-deck golf driving range. The Ridge also includes a 954 square metre bicycle pump track with curves, dips and transitions for riders of all skill levels and ages to enjoy.
Kareela Reserve (encompassing Kareela Oval and Harrie Dening Soccer Centre) includes a series of sports fields catering for a diverse range of competition standards. It also includes extensive carparking, recreation spaces and link paths.
Box Road Reserve, Sylvania includes a mix of highly utilised sporting fields for a range of sports, the Sylvania Heights Community and Youth Club, hockey facilities, bushland, pathways and parking.
Residents can provide feedback on all four consultations until 31 August 2022, via: www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/jtc
GUNNAMATTA PARK
Residents may find the timing of the proposed masterplan for Gunnamatta Park confusing as a Plan of Management is due to be completed this year, a year later than intended due to the pandemic.
The masterplan is scheduled to be completed in 2023.
In addition, the council resolved at first meeting of the new council after the December 2021 election to examine options for a new cafe in the Gunnamatta Park pavilion within six months.
Deputy Mayor Carol Provan, who moved the motion, said at that time the council should begin working on the project immediately, rather than wait for council staff to complete the plan of management and masterplan.
Cr Provan said there was an approved development application for a food and beverage facility to be established at the northern end of Gunnamatta Pavilion, and that it would be possible for it to be completed and commence operation providing it was endorsed under an approved plan of management.