Thrill-seekers and cycling fanatics in Malabar have scored a major win, with Randwick City Council giving the green light to build a dedicated bike park right in the heart of the suburb.
At their April 30th meeting, councillors endorsed Cromwell Park North as the site for the region’s first facility catering to mountain bikers, BMX riders, stunt cyclists, and scooter enthusiasts.
The decision comes after strong lobbying from local bike riding groups who have been pushing for a park to call their own without having to trek to the Northern Beaches or Sutherland Shire.
Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch said the large expanse of Cromwell Park and its proximity to parking made the Malabar location an ideal choice for a bike park.
“Bike riding is a popular activity for many young people. Bikes parks have been built in the Northern Beaches and Sutherland Shire and there has been strong demand from Randwick City residents for a local facility,” Mayor Veitch stated.
If the $1.35 million plans are realised, adrenaline junkies can look forward to a buffet of riding experiences including mountain bike trails, an asphalt pump track, a skills zone with stone and timber obstacles, and a dirt jump area.
The bike park ticks off a key initiative in the Council’s Open Space strategy and will be a huge draw card for families across the eastern suburbs looking to foster an active lifestyle.
Trailscapes also proposed these tracks, trails and ramps for the new bike park Photo Credit: Randwick City Council
With concept designs and community consultation next on the agenda, construction is slated to kick off in the 2024-25 financial year.It’s a win for Malabar’s thrill-seekers, who will soon have a world-class riding playground right on their doorstep.
Several ‘Plant With Us’ events are going to take place in Maroubra from May to October 2022, as part of the city’s project to promote greening, combat climate change, and help preserve the planet.
On Thursday, 28 April 2022, Plant With Us will be underway from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Heffron Park. The ‘Greening Our City’ tree-planting activities are done during the cooler months of the year to ensure their survival.
Everyday is Earth Day in the Eastern Suburbs, so those who cannot make it to Heffron Park in April may still join the other scheduled planting days at the following dates and locations:
DATE
LOCATION
Sunday, 8 May 2022 Mother’s Day
Heffron Park, Maroubra
Friday, 20 May 2022
Heffron Park, Maroubra
Sunday, 5 June 2022
Cromwell Park, Malabar
Sunday, 26 June 2022
Heffron Park, Maroubra
Friday, 29 July 2022 Sunday, 31 July 2022
Heffron Park, Maroubra
Thursday, 1 September 2022
Environmental Park, Randwick
Saturday, 8 October 2022
Latham Park, Coogee
Participants are asked to wear sturdy shoes, a hat, long sleeves, and long pants. They also need to bring their own gloves and a water bottle. While face masks are no longer mandatory, participants may use them if they are unable to maintain a safe distance from others.
Meanwhile, residents may also fill out a Request a Tree form to support the Greening Our City project and receive an appropriate tree for planting outside their own home on the nature strip or verge.
Photo Credit: RCC
Per Council, “If you request a tree as we approach summer or early autumn, you may find it takes longer for your street tree to be planted. As most of our street trees are native or indigenous trees that we often source from our Community Nursery, they are usually better suited to local weather conditions and this tends to give the trees the best possible start to a long life.”
“The final decision on tree species and planting approval will be made by the assessing tree officer.”
