After a three-year break, the Central Coast Wetlands - Pioneer Dairy will resurrect its popular parkrun community event as the reserve prospers from the completion of a $567,000 NSW Government-funded upgrade of its 1km internal access road.
Up to 200 people are expected to turn out for the re-commencement of the parkrun event on 5 April, starting at 8am.
The 5km run will be a weekly event held every Saturday on the Crown land reserve between Wyong and Tuggerah, which is one of the region's most significant environmental and community assets.
The return of the parkrun follows the half million dollar plus investment by Crown Lands to improve safe access to the reserve last September.
Parkrun will bring Central Coast residents together to meet new friends and foster a sense of community while improving their physical and mental well-being by walking, jogging, or running the course. It also has the capacity to attract tourists from surrounding areas, benefitting both the reserve, and boosting surrounding businesses.
The route will predominantly follow flat grass pathways to suit people of various ages and fitness levels. Participants will be able to take in the reserve's wide variety of wildlife, scenic natural views and even grazing cows as they complete the course.
Among the reserve's abundant flora and fauna are more than 200 bird species, including the Powerful Owl, other species such as Squirrel Gliders. and many large Moreton Bay fig trees planted over 100 years ago.
The wetlands are also a site of cultural significance to the Darkinjung people who have lived in the area for 40,000 years.
Works completed by Crown Lands included a new two-lane bitumen road, including safety barriers, guideposts, traffic signs, and speed bumps. The reserve was previously accessed via a potholed single lane gravel road which operated for over 100 years but was no longer safe to use.
The new road has improved community access and is helping the reserve to flourish. As well as the parkrun, local schools are returning to the wetlands for excursions, and the Mark Churcher Golf range at the reserve reports visitor numbers have grown.
At 155-hectares, Central Coast Wetlands - Pioneer Dairy is the largest area of open space in the region and a popular location for active and passive recreation, including bird and nature watching, bushwalking, running and family events.
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:
"The parkrun is a great community event that brings people together and keeps them fit. The Central Coast Wetlands - Pioneer Dairy is a magnificent reserve full of beautiful native wildlife.
"I look forward to seeing the community get out and about to enjoy our region's natural wonder.
"I thank all the volunteers at the reserve who are working incredibly hard to make the fun run happen."
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"The NSW Government is focused on building better communities and investing in our regions is a huge priority.
"It's fantastic news for the Central Coast community that the parkrun will resume. The recent investment in a brand-new road network will help Central Coast Wetlands - Pioneer Dairy go from strength to strength."
Central Coast Wetlands - Pioneer Dairy Crown land chairperson Jed Field said:
"The parkrun is a beloved community event that we sadly had to shut down for three years due to the state of our access roads.
"Previously, you needed a four-wheel drive but now anyone can drive through our reserve, which has meant more and more visitors are coming back and enjoying everything we have to offer.
"We believe this will be the first of many events we are hoping to hold in the coming months."
Park Run event ambassador Gordon Spence said:
"There are over 500 parkrun courses around Australia, however Pioneer Dairy's is one of the most unique. It's run all on grass, paths, and trails, and gives you a real sense of running through a pristine environment.
"Parkrun events are for the whole community. It's not competitive; people can run, jog, or walk through the course. We're absolutely thrilled more people will be coming to Central Coast Wetlands - Pioneer Dairy to enjoy this hidden gem."
