New $130,000 Bligh Park precinct upgrade now open


Children and adults alike flocked to the new Bligh Park Community Centre Precinct on Saturday, 18 October to try out the new Parkour obstacle equipment, the purpose-built grind boxes and play on the new multipurpose court.

Star performers from Team 9LIVES also came along to give parkour demonstrations to show people of how to use and play on the new equipment. Team 9LIVES has a huge following on YouTube and Facebook as professional parkourists.

Parkour is a way of moving within a particular environment and overcoming obstacles of any kind, be they physical or mental.

The physical aspect of Parkour involves practical movement techniques guided by the notions of escape and reach – picture the Catherine Zeta Jones Parkour chase scene in the movie ‘Entrapment’.

Parkour methods involve running, crawling, jumping, climbing, and other methods of catching yourself, grabbing and hanging, rolling and balancing. It sometimes also includes acrobatic elements.

Anyone who missed the demonstrations on Saturday can come by the precinct anytime to see the sign with the QR codes; just scan the code onto your mobile using the QR code app and it takes you to a Youtube video demonstration.

The grind boxes, meanwhile, are part of the Skate Wave range to cater for riders of bmx bikes, skateboards and scooters. Grinds are tricks that involve the skateboarder (for example) sliding along an object using the trucks of a skateboard rather than the wheels.

In addition to the grind boxes and parkour equipment, the precinct features a multipurpose court (eg for basketball, tennis etc.), new landscaping, walking paths, lighting, park furniture and wooden artwork.

$120,000 was provided by the State Government under the Graffiti Hotspot Program for the upgrades and a further $10,000 provided through the Community Building Partnership Program.

Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly and the Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Kim Ford, also attended the precinct opening.

“We are investing in permanent solutions to stop graffiti in areas where there are high rates of vandalism,” Mr Conolly said.

“To stop vandals from targeting the area, the project focused on upgrading the precinct and activating the site, turning it into a public space that will be used throughout the day and night.

“Upgrading park amenities will increase foot traffic and ensure natural surveillance which reduces the opportunity for vandals to congregate or engage in graffiti.”

Councillor Ford said the project had already revitalised the precinct.

“We have been able to improve recreational opportunities and address anti-social behaviour so everyone feels safe and welcome,” Councillor Ford said.

He acknowledged Council had also received an additional $10,000 through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program to undertake additional work as part of the upgrades.

“We are grateful to have worked in partnership with the NSW Government through the Graffiti Hotspot program and the Community Building Partnership program,” he said.

“The funding provided through both of these programs has allowed us to bring the Bligh Park community together in a space that is designed especially for their use.

“My thanks to the Rotary Club of Windsor for cooking the free sausage sizzle which was sponsored by Council, and my gratitude also to the Bligh Park Community Centre for hosting the free kids’ activities and the many community groups who provided community information,” Councillor Ford added.

“I also encourage everyone to get out and support NSW Graffiti Removal Day this Sunday, 26 October by registering their interest at www.graffitiremovalday.org.au and coming along to help in any way they can.”

As part of the opening celebrations, Hawkesbury Community Nursery also gave away free plants to promote the new Bligh Park Bushcare Group. The group will meet once a month at the George Street Reserve at the back of the precinct. To learn more about bushcare or to become a volunteer, contact Council’s Community Bushcare Officer on (02) 4560 4525 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Bligh Park Community Centre is located at 4 Sirius Road, Bligh Park. For more information on the Bligh Park Community Centre Precinct visit www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au.