After receiving over 500 community submissions, Northern Beaches Council has adopted the Seaforth Oval Reserve Plan of Management (POM), which will see the Oval’s facilities renewed.
In addition to a new intermediate to advanced level bike park to meet the growing need of the sport on the Beaches, the POM includes a new natural turf cricket wicket and nets, upgraded half basketball court, improvements to the Community and Sporting Pavilion, improved sports field lighting, a playground, improved facilities for the dog off-leash area, a review and plan development into traffic and parking at the Oval and improved bushland management.
“Seaforth Oval Reserve plays a critical role in the health, happiness and connectedness of our residents,” Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins said.
“The adoption of this Plan reflects our commitment to listening to the community and delivering a road map that supports active living, social connection and environmental protection for future generations.”
With the exception of the bike park (which already has been budgeted for), funding for the upgrades will be through Council’s annual budget process, as well as potential external grants.
Seaforth bike park
Seaforth was confirmed as a location for a bike park through the adoption of the Let’s Play! Northern Beaches Open Space and Outdoor Recreation Strategy and Action Plan 2022. Following Council’s consultations with bike riders, a need for a southern Northern Beaches intermediate to advanced bike park was identified (to complement the junior level Grove Bike Park).
Seaforth Oval currently has an informal carpark, and a cleared area used for the storage of materials. Council has identified this as the location of the bike park.
While the proposed bike park was generally supported within the over 500 submissions Council received for the POM, there were residents who expressed concern the bike park might increase anti-social behaviour, including noise, graffiti and vandalism.
Council confirmed the design and management of the park will align with the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies and principles. The location has been chosen as it is far enough away from homes, yet still publicly visible. The park will be regularly maintained with Council supporting a volunteer group of riders to provide a sense of ownership. Signs will also be put in place to encourage safe and responsible park use. A working group of riders and riding club residents will contribute to the design of the bike park.
The bike park is being funded through Development Contributions (monetary payments from new developments) and is expected to cost $434,175 which has been budgeted for in Council’s Delivery Program 2025-2029.
Construction will commence in May 2026 and be completed in October 2026.
The off-leash dog area is not changing…yet
Dogs are allowed off-leash at Seaforth Oval within the fenced sports field area. While there are no plans to change this, the POM does mention that Council may, in the future, introduce restrictions if dogs become an issue (particularly around the new bike park).
Potential time restrictions are mentioned within the POM. However, Council states it would consult with the local community should they consider any future changes to the off-leash area.
The good news for dogs is they will also see better facilities at the Oval.
As part of the POM, the plan is to install a dog water dispenser and dog waste bag dispensers (with regular provision of dog waste bags).
Council will install upgraded signage about dog rules while at the Oval, as well as upgraded perimeter fencing and gates to prevent dogs from entering the adjoining bushland (which is still a no-go for dogs).
Traffic and parking
Residents identified concerns about parking, traffic and pedestrian access to the Oval during the community engagement period.
Within the POM, a Traffic Management Plan has been proposed, however, this hasn’t yet been budgeted for, so there is no timeline for when this or any improvements to parking and roadways will happen.
The Traffic Management Plan, once Council secures funding and seeks planning approval, will include the review of vehicle, cycling and pedestrian facilities and infrastructure to identify opportunities to improve safety, capacity, access and connectivity. It will also identify opportunities to increase parking during peak-use periods.
There may be potential to upgrade the overflow car park area, potentially with a hard/soft surface treatment to assist with drainage and capacity.
You can read the adopted POM here.
