Shovels in the ground at George Kendall Riverside Park

The first sod has been turned for a multi-million-dollar upgrade of a much-loved Western Sydney park, with the revitalisation aiming to set a new benchmark for high quality, public open spaces in our communities.

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said the $13.4 million George Kendall Riverside Park upgrade has been made possible through the NSW Government’s $50 million Parks for People program.

“We’re delighted that work to improve this much-loved community space is getting underway, and we look forward to delivering an incredible attraction for the people of Ermington, Parramatta, and beyond,” Ms Davis said.

“Community feedback had been instrumental through the planning stages – and soon, visitors will have an innovative, better-connected, more and inclusive park to enjoy.

“By summer, local families can explore new spaces for play, more walking and cycling tracks, a learn-to-ride facility, an upgraded dog park, and thriving wetlands.”

During the construction period, much of the park’s existing sports facilities will remain open to the public, and a temporary detour will be established to minimise disruption to the Parramatta Valley Cycleway.

Ms Davis said the new park was essential open space that would support a high growth area.

“Work is ongoing in the future urban renewal of the nearby Melrose Park Precinct, as well as commercial and social infrastructure to this region,” she said.

“It’s important this development is supported with quality, green open space, so we are delighted to deliver this upgraded space to our community.

“I have called for the areas around the Parramatta River to become a world-class river parkland, and the renewal of George Kendall Park is a big step forward towards this goal.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the Parks for People program is about working in partnership with councils across Greater Sydney to create high-quality public open space for everyone to use.

“We’ve recently completed projects at Tench Reserve in Penrith and Carrawood Park in Carramar, and work is underway on other park projects at Beaumont Hills and Frenchs Forest,” Mr Scully said.

Work on George Kendall Riverside Park is expected to be completed in February 2024.

Parks for People is an ambitious NSW Government program that sets a benchmark for high-quality public open space. In partnership with local councils, we are delivering diverse and community-driven parks across Greater Sydney.

These parks will be legacy spaces, taking the vision and ideas of the community and combining them with innovative design to deliver the right type of park for future generations to enjoy.

For more information, visit George Kendall Riverside Park.