North Harbour Reserve, on Condamine Street in Balgowlah, will undergo a refresh of its facilities and landscaping over the next two years.
The Reserve forms part of one of the most popular Sydney Harbour walks, Spit Bridge to Manly, and features BBQ, toilet, parking, play equipment, half-court basketball court and off-leash dog exercise area.
Council held five meetings and ran a consultation program over the changes, with the the majority in favour of the “in-character upgrades.” The engagement report noted an eagerness to retain the off-leash dog area which will be remain.
“North Harbour Reserve is a magnificent vantage point to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the harbour and the improvements will enhance people’s enjoyment of the open space,” Mayor Michael Regan said.
Works will include:
- The installation of a new irrigation system and rehabilitation of turf areas.
- Formalisation of the dirt car park to the west of Condamine Street
- Reconfiguring and upgrading the southern picnic area to address drainage and wear issues and provide a better user experience
- Renewing the stair case to Boyle Street to improve access.
- Installation of fitness equipment in proximity to the basketball half court
- Improve the basketball half court
- Installation of nature play near the southern rock face
- Minor landscaping including a new hedge along Condamine Street to help prevent children and dogs from running onto the road (a major concern for many during the consultation process).
It was near North Harbour Reserve in January 1788 that Admiral Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, was recorded as encountering Aboriginal men and commenting on their “manly behaviour.”
Up to the 1920s, the Reserve was a landing spot for ships transporting goods to the The reserve was historically a working harbour for the shipment of material to and from the Northern Beaches during its early development, with ships sidling up to a long jetty that extended from Condamine Street.
Starting in the 1920s Council, in response to community demand, progressively reclaimed land from the harbour to create a wide open space and the park as we know it was developed by the late 1930s.
For those keen on more information about the landscape plan skip to page 183 of the Council meeting agenda from February 23, available here.
For those incredibly keen on more information go to the second attachment booklet on page 530 on the council agenda of 23 February. (don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you, click here.)
