A day after the 48th anniversary of when Ruddock Park, Westleigh was opened in honour of former Shire President, the Hon Max Ruddock, an impressive suite of upgrades was yesterday officially unveiled by his son, Hornsby Shire Mayor, the Hon Philip Ruddock AO.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Public Spaces Legacy Program in association Hornsby Shire Council, the unveiled works at the much-loved park include a new Learn-To-Ride play area, pathway upgrades, a basketball half court, new five-way swing, new seating and picnicking shelters, planting, lawn areas and an outdoor gym. The public open spaces created through the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program will shape and connect communities for generations to come.
The works also include upgrades at Westleigh Tennis Club, located at the park, which feature refurbishments of the club house, public toilets including large accessible facilities with changing bench, a new roof, and the construction of a ramp and steps for building access.
Ruddock Park was opened on 28 June 1975 as a tribute to Max Ruddock's role in the establishment of Westleigh and in recognition of his work as a councillor and former president of Hornsby Shire Council. Thousands of people flock to the park each year for its well-equipped, boat themed playground, large oval, mature, shady trees and picnic areas.
In yesterday's ceremony, Council showcased a renewed version of the original park plaque, commemorating Max Ruddock, which is now joined by a new plaque marking the recent upgrades.
Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock said that Hornsby Shire Council was delighted to partner with the NSW Government to deliver the upgrades, ensuring that his father's legacy is enjoyed by the community for generations to come.
"Ruddock Park is of great significance to myself and my family. It is a tangible commemoration of the significant contribution that my father made to Westleigh and Hornsby Shire as a whole. It is particularly dear to me as, not only does it bring back fond memories of him, but it's also somewhere I visited with my own children when they were young.
"I'm incredibly proud and excited to officially launch these upgrades, just in time for the school holidays. They raise the bar for what people can enjoy at the park, give it longevity and are a significant boost for the local area.
"We thank the NSW Government for its support in turning this project into a reality," Mayor Ruddock said.
The NSW Government contributed $2.13 million to the 'Bushland to the Waterways – Ruddock Park Learn to Ride Project', selected as part of the NSW Government's $250 million NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.
The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program provides long-term value by funding new and/or improved high-quality public and open spaces, ensuring a legacy well beyond the COVID-19 economic recovery period.
Hornsby Shire Council was awarded the funds in recognition of its commitment to improving its development assessment process, having well exceeded its Development Application processing targets. Other projects funded from the NSW Legacy Program include Pyes Creek bridge and walkway as well as Brooklyn foreshore walk and baths access improvements.
Council also contributed $1.2 million to the project, acquired through Section 7.11 developer contributions.
