LABOR TO REVITALISE HISTORIC WARATAH PARK

A re-elected Labor Council will ensure a comprehensive sports and precinct  masterplan for the revitalisation of the historic Waratah Park in the next term of Council.

Newcastle Labor has committed to consulting with local sporting clubs to upgrade facilities including the upgrading of Waratah Oval grandstand amenities, improving facilities and changerooms to encourage further growth of women's sport and upgrading lighting to improve year-round utilisation by local sporting codes.

City of Newcastle will also consult with the local community and users of the popular park to explore options to enhance public green open spaces including the historic garden beds and gazebo, connectivity and accessibility throughout the park, upgraded lighting for community safety, playground enhancements, the appropriate management of dogs in the parks ever popular open spaces, and informal sporting options like the provision of basketball and wall-ball courts.

City of Newcastle Ward 3 Councillor and City’s Liveable Cities Advisory Committee Cr Peta Winney-Baartz said that upgrading the sporting facilities, in consultation with local clubs at Waratah Park would ensure further activation of Waratah Park and the provision of upgraded amenities to further encourage the growth of women's sport in Newcastle.

"Our City of Newcastle Strategic Sports Plan has identified options to enhance Waratah Park, including the provision of upgraded lighting to improve year-round utilisation by local sporting codes, and masterplanning the significant expanse of well utilised playing fields," Cr Winney-Baartz said.

"The local clubs that make use of Waratah's sporting facilities have been leading the growth of women's sport, and a re-elected Labor Council will ensure that the amenities are brought up to the standards our female athletes deserve."

"The Grandstand at Waratah Oval presents a significant opportunity to continue the growth of quality sporting fixtures at Waratah Park, and we'll work with local clubs to upgrade change facilities and toilets, storage and the outdated canteen facilties."

Newcastle Labor Campaign spokesperson, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the local community would have an opportunity to help guide the enhancement of the green open public spaces and to improve connectivity from Waratah Train Station through to Georgetown Local Centre and Waratah Village shopping centre.

"Waratah Park is an historic park which is experiencing significant growth in usage by local families embracing our City's green open spaces like never before due to COVID," the Deputy Lord Mayor said.

"Newcastle Labor is committed to consulting with the local community to develop a comprehensive masterplan and scope of works to improve the green open spaces and enhance accessibility for all park users."

"When I visit Waratah Park I appreciate the sense of community and the amazing potential of the green open spaces which could be further enhanced by upgrading the playground areas, exploring options for informal sporting activities and ensuring appropriate management of off-leash dog activity in the park."

"Connectivity through improved walkways and pavement, provision of upgraded lighting and improving access to the park will further enhance community safety and also further encourage an active lifestyle for local families."

"Waratah Park has a real sense of history and local  longterm residents of Waratah, Mayfield and Georgetown have fond memories of the park as an important space for the community to gather for recreation and leisure. With this commitment from Newcastle Labor Councillors, I am confident Waratah Park can become an even better public space for our community to enjoy."