August 20, 2008
The city centre's riverside parklands came under the spotlight on Wednesday night (August 20) as part of a public consultation process to decide just how the green strip should look in the future.
The public is being asked to kick in some comments so Tamworth Regional Council can prepare an issues or "green" paper on the development and management of open space along the riverbanks near the Tamworth CBD.
According to recreation planner Simon Haire, the study targets the parklands along the river from the velodrome near Paradise down to No I Oval but also takes in the passive recreation land on the other side of the river from Gipps St to Jewry Park.
A meeting in the Darling St community centre on Wednesday August 20 gave residents a chance to tell TRC what it thinks about the future gameplan for those passive areas but comments are still being taken. You can email your suggestions to s.haire@tamworth.nsw.gov.au or ph Simon on 67675469.
The new green paper follows on from the wider open space plan being decided to shape the future of all public sports and leisure areas across TRC soon to go on public exhibition but this part of the study really focuses on what people want the inner city green belt to become.
Open space surveys have already shown that Tamworth lacks a true regional passive recreation area and the green paper will look at whether or how the riverbank areas and Bicentennial Park in particular are a natural fit to play that part.
Options already identified include building a children's playground, probably around the Hill St/Kable Ave part of the parklands, providing picnic, family and barbecue facilities, and upgrading the entire strip to cater for increasing cyclists and walkers.
"It is all about putting into place long term things which will meet the needs of users and create a precinct that is amenable and meets the interests of all the users and future demands," Mr Haire said.
"It's based on the principle that we need to have a space where families or groups can spend a day kicking a ball around, riding a bike, walking, having a picnic and just generally having a good time."
The paper will also look at how some parkland places are used now, such as during the country festival and for other events and concerts held in Bicentennial Park, and how neighbouring areas like Fitzroy St and the Peel St mall impact on any future designs.
TRC invites your feedback and comments on the plans.