YOUNG families in Wagga’s booming northern growth corridor have welcomed news a massive new playground and sporting precinct is set to be built in the area.
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As part of a unique partnership between Wagga City Council and Charles Sturt University (CSU), two new sporting fields, netball courts, a community centre and a regional playground are being proposed for a 20 hectare parcel of land at CSU.
President of the Estella Progress Association, Graham Cotter, lauded the move as a quantum step for residents in the growing suburbs Estella, Boorooma and Gobbagombalin.
But he said it was critical residents had input to ensure the new facility was what they wanted.
“This feedback is essential to ensure these facilities are located in the right areas and are laid out in the best way to ensure they are utilised,” Mr Cotter said.
“This will be the biggest development being put in place by council for our suburbs and it's important it's done right.
“It’s a great opportunity; there’s a lot of land over there.”
The new recreational precinct is slated for CSU-owned land adjacent to Peter Hastie Oval.
Mr Cotter said suitable access to the new facilities from the housing side of Estella needed to be part of any plan.
“It’s important it’s made to feel like the community has some ownership over it, that it’s not just part of CSU,” he said.
Executive director of CSU division of facilities management, Stephen Butt, said it was natural joint venture between the uni and council.
“We want to ensure a holistic approach to sport and recreation development in the northern suburbs of Wagga,” he said.
“We look forward to ensuring the needs of Charles Sturt University staff and students and those of the wider community can be accommodated in a long-term master planned vision for the precinct.”
Council’s strategic asset planner (parks and recreation) Ben Creighton said there was a clear need for the new space.
“There is a clear need within the existing community need to develop appropriate public infrastructure such as an additional playground, park and sporting facilities, public amenities and connecting infrastructure,” he said.
“An opportunity has been identified to potentially provide such an environment on land owned by CSU.
“This would see both parties working together to deliver a quality asset for the local community.”
Residents are encouraged to view the draft concept maps and discuss ideas either online or with staff on Monday, March 20 from 3pm to 7pm on the corner of Avocet and Rainbow drives.