Many thanks to all of you caring people that have signed my petition. The council department (the "Community Assets Recreation and Land Planning team") responsible for developing these things on our beautiful unspoilt green spaces have responded to my objection. Unfortunately, the door is still open for them to have their way at some undisclosed point in the future. They even mention a BMX "facility" as well as the "half-court".
This is their response :
"As you may be aware, the adopted Toronto Catchment Contributions plan identifies a range of community facilities aimed at meeting the sport and recreation needs of this growing community. The plan identifies the provision of a new multi-court, community garden, BMX facility and improvements to the dog exercise area within this reserve.
Furthermore, during the development of Council’s Parks and Play Strategy, gaps in the provision of both local parkland and play spaces were identified within Carey Bay. Hampton Street Reserve, a largely undeveloped space, has the potential to provide for a variety of opportunities and experiences.
At this time Hampton Street Reserve in its entirety is identified as a dog-off leash area. Almost half of this reserve is categorised as natural area bushland which contains important ecological values. As part of the second phase of consultation the proposed removal of the current dog off-leash area out of this ecological sensitive area is being tested with the community. The remaining open space is proposed to support both a dog off-leash area, and the potential development of other recreation facilities. This approach is intended to support use of the reserve by as broad a range of the community as possible.
Prior to constructing any recreational improvements, Council will prepare a masterplan for Hampton Street Reserve. This approach will provide an opportunity to assess site opportunities, constraints, current uses, proposed and alternative recreation facilities etc in partnership with the community. The implications of introduced hardstand areas on native flora and fauna and increased noise associated with use of the reserve, as raised by Mr Ganner, can be investigated at that time. This project is not included within Council’s 2022/23 Operational plan but will be considered during the development of our forward works program."
So it looks as if this Egret, that I photographed last year catching a fish in the stream that runs through the park, will have to go elsewhere for his lunch.
Shame on you Lake Macquarie Council !!