The Campbelltown community has the opportunity to be the first to enjoy the new Campbelltown Billabong Parklands, with a series of opening events to be held at the unique recreation park over the June long weekend.
Mayor Dr George Greiss will declare the Parklands open at a special Grand Opening event on Saturday 8 June, followed by a series of community events and activities on Sunday 9 June and Monday 10 June.
Campbelltown residents will have exclusive access during the opening weekend to explore the Parklands and take part in the festivities.
"I'm delighted to be able to invite local residents to this exciting opening weekend to get a first look at the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands, a spectacular one-of-a-kind recreation space for south west Sydney," Mayor Dr George Greiss said.
"The opening weekend will be a fantastic celebration and I look forward to welcoming people into the Parklands for the first time," he said.
"The Billabong Parklands is a significant investment in the future of Campbelltown and will be a meeting place in the heart of our city for friends and families to enjoy over many generations to come."
Anyone wanting to attend the opening event on Saturday 8 June can apply for tickets which will be allocated through a random ballot draw.
Following the opening event, access to the Parklands is available via a ticket booking system. All tickets are free of charge.
The events program includes the official opening ceremony on the morning of Saturday 8 June followed by a series of range of family-friendly activities and stage performances as well as food trucks and food and merch giveaways to be held across the three days.
The project is funded by Council, the Australian Government and NSW Government under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program. The program is part of the Western Sydney City Deal (the Deal). The Deal is a 20 year-agreement between Australian and NSW governments, and the eight local Councils of the Western Parkland City.
A further $3.6 million has been funded by the NSW Government to support the development of gateway areas around the site.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the NSW Government has invested $15 million in joint-funding with the Federal Government through the Western Parkland City Liveability Program to bring Campbelltown City Council's Billabong Parklands project to life.
"The Billabong Parklands will offer the people of Campbelltown a new and unique public space with a range of fun activities for people of all ages. With activities like water play, landscaped areas and parklands, as well as a swimming lagoon and zero-depth play area for those with young families. "
"This joint funding with the Federal Government and Council will deliver a valuable public space for residents and visitors in Wester Sydney to relax with family and friends.
About the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands
The 4ha Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is a unique attraction for south west Sydney featuring a series of water bodies, picnic shelters, and open space nestled in the heart of Campbelltown.
The centrepiece attraction of the Parklands is the approximately 1600m2 lagoon, which is interconnected to a smaller children's pool, a series of streams and zero-depth splash play area.
The design of the water bodies and surrounding parklands reflects the natural riverine environment of the nearby Dharawal National Park.
The main pool will open to the public in the warmer months between September and May.
The surrounding Parklands are open year-round for people to gather for picnics with family and friends, enjoy a walk through the serene open spaces or take part in the diverse events and activities program that will take place throughout the year.
The Parklands feature a large open spaces, tree plantings for shade, picnic shelter, barbeque facilities and a large amenity building.
Visitors to the Parklands are greeted by a special welcome artwork at the entrance, developed with public artists Milne and Stonehouse, the local Aboriginal community and renowned indigenous artist Danielle Mate.
Standing between the children's pool and main lagoon is a spectacular bridge featuring a series of rings and metal mesh structure featuring an artwork that symbolises the Parklands' theme of a land between two rivers, representing Campbelltown's place between the Georges River and Nepean River.
The bridge was designed with public artists Milne & Stonehouse, along with Aunty Phyllis Stewart, Aunty Annette Houston and Clarinda Vinter from the Yirran Miigaydhu Weavers Group at Campbelltown Arts Centre.
The Parklands is located at the corner of The Parkway and Moore-Oxley Bypass, Bradbury.
