Environment Minister Rob Stokes and Parramatta MP Geoff Lee today inspected progress on a range of transformation projects at Parramatta Park, being funded by $20 million in NSW Government capital spending.

Mr Stokes said the money is part of a record $35.4 million that the NSW Government will be spent over the next four years – the largest financial injection in the park’s proud history.

“Parramatta Park will now be able to conserve important heritage buildings and create new recreational facilities for locals and visitors,” Mr Stokes said.

“Over $9.5 million will be spent upgrading ‘The Crescent’ events space, making the park a more attractive venue for international artists and promoters.

“The park will be able to stage more large scale music events, with the ability to accommodate up to 15,000 people.

“The heritage setting of the area will be improved by tree plantings adjacent to the new staging area. Byrnes Avenue will be lined by oak trees, providing a visual buffer of the paved events space. The oak trees were chosen as they continue the connection to world heritage listed Old Government House.”

Dr Lee announced that today work will begin on the $8.7 million picnic facilities and regional playground in ‘The Paddocks’ precinct.

“The new playground will include a giant slide, built in trampolines, water play area, and a unique netted play bridge suspended amongst the trees,” Dr Lee said.

“The work will also improve access for cyclists and pedestrians with new paths, new picnic facilities, improvements to Domain Creek, upgrades to car parking and new landscape works.

“Later in the month, new Palisade fence and internal way-finding signage will begin to roll out across the park.

“By the end of the year, ‘The Gardens’ precinct, with its newly conserved George Street Gatehouse, will begin a $2 million upgrade to the heritage setting around the historic Gatehouse, including conservation of a convict bridge and landscape works.”

Mr Stokes said this work will complement additional conservation projects to be undertaken on the park’s other iconic gatehouses.

“After decades of being closed, by the end of next year, all the gatehouses at the major park entrances will be fully restored and in use, ensuring they are appropriately maintained and enjoyed by the community well into the future,” Mr Stokes said.