Northern Beaches Council is one of 12 Councils to have successfully received a grant from the State Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program which will fund improvements at North Harbour Reserve.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan welcomed the funding which will improve accessibility and connectivity at the Balgowlah reserve.
“With its large open green space and waterfront location, it’s no surprise North Harbour Reserve is a stopping point on our famous 10km Manly Scenic Walkway, a must-do activity for a large percentage of the 2.6 million people that visit the Northern Beaches each year.
“It has also been extensively used by locals in recent months during COVID restrictions, as well as being a well-loved off-leash dog park and the large playground and half basketball court are very popular.
“We welcome this $200,000 grant from the NSW Government which Council will utilise to implement works as part of the areas Landscape Improvement Plan adopted by Council in February this year as well as other improvements planned for the Manly to Spit walkway. This is in addition to drainage infrastructure work to improve water quality that we’ve carried out earlier this year,” Mayor Regan said.
The works will improve accessibility and connectivity through upgrades to the northern entrance into the Reserve and include:
- Additional picnic tables and 2 new BBQ’s
- Construction of a new wider pathway and stairs with handrails down to the reserve from Boyle St
- New directional and interpretive signage and an outdoor fitness station.
- Reconstruction of a bridge on Manly to Spit walkway
- Renewal of boardwalks and trails on the Manly to Spit
As part of the grant, successful councils are required to plant at least one tree for every $2,500 received and match the grant funding dollar-for-dollar.
Earlier this month, the Manly Scenic Walkway, also known as the Manly to Spit walk won the , meaning it’s now in the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide on the popular visitor platform.
