Boongaree

Council is encouraging visitors to Berry to participate in the August 2021 Longitudinal Survey which aims to identify the economic benefit that Boongaree will bring to the Berry Township.

The Boongaree area (previously known as Berry District Park) is being redeveloped to provide upgraded and new recreational facilities. Visitors are being surveyed at intervals over the duration of the project to produce data that can be used to identify economic impact. The development of Boongaree is an action in the Berry Strategic Plan designed to enhance commerce within the Township following the opening of the highway by-pass.

This survey will be completed in coordination with the Berry Chamber of Commerce. The information garnered will inform and enhance applications for grant funding for stages 4-7 of Boongaree and assist with current grant funding acquittals.

Thankyou for your input. The survey closed on Tuesday, 31 August 2021.

Exciting news!!!

Shoalhaven City Council and Berry Rotary are preparing for the delivery of the Learn to Ride Zone, which is the final part of Stage 1 of the Boongaree Rotary Nature Play Park.

The Learn to Ride cycle path is shovel ready with a contractor appointed to carry out the works. As part of the works some of these trees are planned to be removed due to a number of factors including old age, reduced safe lifespan, disease, superficial roots, poor overhead branch structure. Whilst other trees are very close to the pavement, the impact of construction over their structural roots will reduce the trees' long-term health. To limit tree removal, mitigation measures will be incorporated into the design and construction.

As part of the project, tree planting will commence following construction. It is intended for this planting to match the quantity of trees removed and be placed close to the Learn to Ride Zone or within the park precinct.

Shoalhaven City Council is pleased to announce that the first stage of Boongaree's inclusive Rotary Nature Play Park is progressing well.

The early childhood zone is currently under construction and includes accessible adventure play equipment and numerous opportunities for nature play, including sand and water play, climbing logs, bridges, tunnels, cubby house, tractor and more.

The current works will deliver a flying fox, climbing nets, sensory play, family picnic and BBQ spaces, amenities with lift and change facilities, exercise equipment and many more elements to create an exciting and inclusive play space for the community and visitors to enjoy.

Stages 2 and 3 of Boongaree - the pump track and new skatepark are progressing to the preparation of tender for construction phase. Construction is expected to commence next financial year.

Shoalhaven City Council are delivering the Rotary Nature Play Park in partnership with the Rotary Club of Berry, the Federal Government Building Better Region fund and the NSW Government Building Stronger Country Communities fund and Everyone Can Play grant.

Image: Mayor Amanda Findley, Councillor Patricia White, Gareth Ward MP, Fiona Phillips MP, Councillor Mark Kitchener and Councillor John Wells together with members of Berry Rotary Club.

Boongaree's Rotary Nature Play Park is progressing wonderfully. The early childhood zone is currently being constructed and includes accessible adventure play equipment together with numerous opportunities for nature play with sand and water play, climbing logs, bridges, tunnels, cubby house, tepee, tractor and more.

Stages 2 and 3 of Boongaree - the pump track and new skatepark - are progressing to the preparation of Tender for Construction phase. Construction is expected to commence next financial year.

Whilst the Youth Zone looks like it is near complete, it will remain located within an off-limits construction area for the safety of the community. The youth zone is anticipated to open when the nature play park is officially opened at the end of this year.

This project is proudly supported by the Berry Town Crier. Read the current issue now...

The Rotary Nature Play Park's beautiful youth zone is nearly complete! The dual, accessible flying fox and surrounding shade-sails and footpaths have been funded by the NSW Government's Everyone Can Play grant. This funding specialises in supporting new playground equipment that encourages people to stay and play. Although it looks like it is almost finished, unfortunately we cannot stay or play until around December.

The amenities block is almost complete but extensive landscaping and well-placed lighting is also planned. This will ensure that the nature inspired amenities block blends in well with its surroundings.

Further components of the park will be delivered following the youth zone, including the childhood nature play area, exercise circuit, Learn to Ride facility, BBQs and open play area. These components should be open by the end of the year.

This project is proudly supported by the Berry Town Crier. Read the current issue now..

Council is encouraging visitors to Berry to participate in the January 2021 Longitudinal Survey which aims to identify the economic benefit that Boongaree will bring to the Berry Township.

The Boongaree area (previously known as Berry District Park) is being redeveloped to provide upgraded and new recreational facilities. Visitors are being surveyed at intervals over the duration of the project to produce data that can be used to identify economic impact. The development of Boongaree is an action in the Berry Strategic Plan designed to enhance commerce within the Township following the opening of the highway by-pass.

This survey will be completed in coordination with the Berry Chamber of Commerce. The information garnered will inform and enhance applications for grant funding for stages 4-7 of Boongaree and assist with current grant funding acquittals.

Take the survey now.

The survey is available until 15 February 2021.

The contractors are back from their Christmas break.

The amenities building is nearing completion and some of the play equipment is being installed along with paths and retaining walls. The underground works are also starting to take shape.

Construction work on the site has been underway since the first sod was turned in September 2020.

Stage 1 of the project – development of a playground - is due to be complete by end of the year, weather permitting. This area will be open to the public.

In other news, the detailed designs of the skatepark and pump track have been endorsed by Council, with these works funded wholly by Council and to be delivered as part of stages 2 and 3. Once a project manager has been appointed, Council will go to tender in early 2021.

Photo credit: Aimee and Jeremy Long

The Hon. Gareth Ward MP, Member for Kiama and Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley visited Berry on 21 September to turn the first sod to begin construction of the first stage of Boongaree, previously known as Berry District Park.

The development will enhance the sporting and passive recreation activities available at the site and reinvigorate the northern edge of the township

After stage one is complete, the Youth Zone for older children will begin construction with a flying fox, climbing nets and swings, handball courts as well as a climbing wall. This will be followed by the Learn to Ride area and then an extensive exercise equipment trail incorporating senior citizen graded items as well as Amphitheatre Zones.

Family picnic and BBQ facilities are also planned, along with a lift and change amenities block. It is intended to deliver this stage for the community by early 2023.

Later stages of the park will include a Pump Track, new Skate Park, messy Kids Play Zone, Netball Courts, Reconciliation Garden, Western Sporting Fields, Dog Agility Zone and Long Vehicles Parking Area. The final stage will be new cricket fields, drainage, irrigation, and more parking in the Eastern Sporting Fields.

Take a look at Mayor Amanda Findley's media release.

At Shoalhaven City Council's 8 September Strategy & Assets Committee meeting, it was agreed to endorse the Boongaree Skate Park Option 1, and Pump Track Concept and Detail Design progress to prepare tenders and invite submission for construction and delivery.

The committee also agreed to demolish the existing Berry skate park and undertake extensive ground remediation. This will provide a new engineered bench to build the skate park on.