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Planning
Planning

Nandi Reserve

Parks for People

We worked closely with Northern Beaches Council on an upgrade to Nandi Reserve in Frenchs Forest. Our shared vision was to enhance access, preserve biodiversity, design with Country and create a welcoming space for the community. The design worked with existing trails to ensure minimal disturbance to Country.

See the Nandi Reserve planned upgrades.

There are over 1.2 km of new pathways, boardwalks, and staircases in Nandi Reserve. These blend in with existing trails to protect natural features like waterways, mature trees, and wildlife. There is also a nature-inspired playspace along the trails where kids can balance, climb, and explore. 

The new entry from Frenchs Forest Road offers a great view of a waterfall.

  • People walking in an open green area near the new accessible entry to Nandi Reserve.
    Improved access with a new entry which also provides an outlook over a waterfall.
  • New bush walking trail in Nandi Reserve. The path is dirt/gravel and there are rocks, trees and shrubbery on either side of the trail.
    The upgraded park has over 1.2 km of pathways to provide an extensive walking trail. Credit: Nick Watt.
  • Wide-angel shot of three people and a dog walking along a new trail in Nandi Reserve. There is bushland all around them.
    The site’s walking trails encourage visitors to experience nature.
  • Three people and a dog standing in the new play area in Nandi Reserve. The play area has timber play equipment and one rope climbing frame. The play surface is woodchips.
    The new park has a mix of areas for relaxing, nature play, walking and connecting with Country.
  • A play area made from timber in Nandi Reserve. The floor is wood chips and there is a rope climbing frame, and several benches for seating.
    The new nature-based play space using natural materials for balancing, climbing and exploring. Credit: Nick Watt.

About the reserve

Nandi Reserve is a 12.24 ha bushland site in Frenches Forest connecting to regionally significant natural areas. The reserve adjoins Garigal National Park and Oxford Falls then beyond to Ku-ring-gai National Park. The reserve forms part of the endangered Duffy’s Forest ecological community.

Nandi Reserve is highly valued by the local community, with an abundance of flora and fauna. We held two rounds of community engagement on the upgrade design, which embraces the natural qualities of the site.

The new vision for Nandi Reserve preserves and strengthens habitat through regeneration and tree planting. The aim is to providing a great space for people through a mix of quiet areas for relaxing and active areas for nature play, walking and connecting with Country.

The site’s undulating contours and creeks inspired walking trails that encourage visitors to experience nature.

See Parks for People for more information about the program.

Design process

Step 1

We wanted to find out what could and couldn’t be done on the site. We conducted studies and consulted with industry and local experts. The top priority was to create a space in which people could enjoy the natural surroundings and discover nature.

Step 2

We sought initial ideas and feedback from the community and key stakeholders to inform the development of a draft concept design for the upgrades to the reserve.

Step 3

We presented a draft concept design for community feedback and further input before developing more detailed designs for the reserve. This stage included a design board to allow people to take a closer look at the proposed key features of the reserve. We conducted a survey to capture community priorities and values that needed to be further represented in the final plan. We also held a webinar and meetings with key stakeholders.

Step 4

We gave the community a chance to look at the final plan for the upgrades to Nandi Reserve.

Resources