George Thornton Reserve

Mayor, Dr Peter Gangemi 13^th July 2022

The Hills Shire Council

PO box 7064, Norwest 2153

Dear Mayor Gangemi

We are writing to request that the residents of West Pennant Hills Valley are given a fair opportunity to comment on the proposed ‘upgrade’ to synthetic turf of the third playing field at George Thornton Reserve. We were very happy that you were able to speak at our recent public meeting, but concerned when you suggested the upgrade might go ahead without further public consultation, possibly as soon as the $2m VPA with Mirvac has been signed.

Consultation Process

We believe there should be further public consultation because the conversion to a synthetic surface was not listed as a major feature of the exhibited George Thornton Reserve Masterplan (GTRM).

The letter from Council announcing the public exhibition of the GTRM, identified the following 3 key improvements:

· ‘The provision of three full-sized sport fields and associated infrastructure achieved through the realignment of existing fields and expansion of the existing ‘mini field’ area

· An extension to the amenities building to provide additional change rooms.

· Additional on-site parking through the formalisation and extension of the existing car park area.’

The only reference to synthetic grass was contained in the legend of the accompanying map, ‘‘possible future synthetic surface’. The fact that the majority of submissions did not even mention synthetic grass, suggests that the majority of respondents did not notice this reference, and Council’s assertion that synthetic turf was ‘well supported’ seems to be an exaggeration since only 15 out of the 59 respondents supported the idea.

The GTRM was sent to all regular users of the reserve, but Council’s report did not state how many of the responses in favour of synthetic turf came from sporting clubs. We understand that sporting clubs are generally in favour of synthetic turf, regardless of the environmental and health consequences, especially after a season of unprecedented wet weather. But it is local residents who have to live with this decision 24/7.

You told us that you had visited Bernie Mullane Reserve and spoken to users who were in favour of playing on synthetic grass. We have also visited Bernie Mullane Reserve and measured synthetic grass surface temperatures in excess of 80˚C. We also took pictures of the plastic infill polluting drains and adjacent grassed areas. (Link to our research and photos: https://www.wphvpa.org/synthetic-turf/research-photos )

Have you also spoken to local residents and casual users of George Thornton Reserve about the potential for a threefold increase in usage rates with associated noise and traffic, and the huge impact of the urban heat island in summer? We consulted locals at a public meeting attended by 38 residents where we held an informal vote on synthetic turf, and it was recorded in our minutes that an ‘overwhelming majority’ were opposed to it.

Usage Statistics

We are also concerned about the data used to assess the proposal for synthetic turf.

The report that went to Council’s meeting on 26^th April, when the GTRM was adopted, contained a discussion of the benefits of converting a playing surface to synthetic turf. We believe that some of the statements about synthetic surfaces may have been misleading. Some examples are given below:

· . … The upgrade of the playing field will enable a significant increase in usage from approximately 20-25 hours per week (for natural turf) to between 60-70 hours per week.’

An inspection of the bookings for the existing grass fields at George Thornton Reserve during 4 weeks in June, shows that the current booked usage was 49.5 hours every week. (not 20-25 as suggested)

· ‘…synthetic grass ….allows for a usage rate of approximately three times greater than natural turf.’

During the same 4 weeks in June at Bernie Mullane Reserve, the grass fields were booked for 57 hours but bookings for the synthetic fields only averaged less than 54 hours per week.

Whilst bookings may not equate to usage during wet weather, it seems highly unlikely that the usage of synthetic turf would average out at 3 times greater than natural turf.

The booking evidence does not show any strong preference for synthetic turf, despite the recent bad weather. In fact, bookings on Sundays show a strong preference for natural turf.

· ‘The natural turf emissions and impacts on the environment would equate to three times this amount when factored against the usage levels of a synthetic field which is three times greater.’

The impact of the natural turf emissions compared to the synthetic grass could only be multiplied by 3 if the actual usage of the synthetic field was 3 times greater, which seems unlikely based on the data above.

It appears that converting one of the fields at George Thornton Reserve to synthetic turf would not create a significant amount of additional active open space. However, there would be a huge negative impact on the environment. Council’s report confirms that ‘The northern and western extents of the reserve contain remnant bushland belonging to the Blue Gum High Forest Critically Endangered Ecological Community (CEEC)’. Converting the western field to synthetic turf would pollute this CEEC, alter the local micro-climate affecting both flora and fauna, and increase the risk of bushfire. These factors are in addition to the wider impacts of microplastics entering our waterways and the lack of end-of-life recycling facilities. We believe any benefits of converting to a synthetic surface are easily outweighed by the numerous disadvantages.

Summary

We urge Council to initiate a more open and transparent consultation, so that the residents of West Pennant Hills Valley have a fair say on this matter.

We also request that when considering any proposal, you should adopt a more realistic view of potential usage.

We look forward to your response.

All the best,

Peter Ernst, President, & Joan Rowley, Vice-President,

on behalf of the Committee, West Pennant Hills Valley Progress Association

www.wphvpa.org

2022-03 Submission from The Committee, West Pennant Hills Valley Progress Association Inc.

George Thornton Reserve Masterplan

The Committee of the West Pennant Hills Valley Progress Association (WPHVPA) welcomes the idea of an additional playing field for WPHV, provided this is not at the expense of other users of George Thornton Reserve.

This reserve is the largest in WPHV, and the only one with public toilets. In addition to sporting groups, it is also very popular with organised exercise groups, families with children, joggers, walkers and so on. The creation of a third playing field will place additional demands on all of the facilities at the George Thornton Reserve, and we want to ensure that it continues to provide facilities and space for all users.

We are also shocked to see that Council is considering the future use of synthetic turf which has been strongly opposed by our residents.

This submission covers the following points:

1. Realignment of the existing fields to provide three full-sized playing fields

2. Extension to the amenities building

3. Extension and formalisation of the existing carpark

4. Re-routing of the perimeter path

5. Additional facilities requested by local residents

6. Possibility of future synthetic grass

In summary:

· We support the construction of a third natural grass playing field.

· Organised exercise groups should be provided with an alternative flat and preferably shaded area, if the existing area is used for an extension to the amenities building.

· The carpark does not need additional hard surface.

· The perimeter path should be widened.

· The existing playground should be repurposed for older children.

· A new playground for young children should be built near the BBQs and toilets.

· Additional picnic tables/shelters should be provided.

· A dedicated bike track should be constructed either at this reserve or an alternative reserve in WPHV.

· Any trees removed as a result of these upgrades should be replaced elsewhere in the reserve.

· We do not support the use of synthetic grass on any of the playing fields.

1. Realignment of the existing fields to provide three full-sized playing fields

There is a shortfall of playing fields in WPHV which will only get worse following development of land in the Cherrybrook Metro Corridor, and at 55 Coonara Ave, and we support the idea of creating an extra natural grass pitch at George Thornton Reserve. However, existing facilities at this reserve are already under strain, and a third pitch will create additional demands with more sports teams and more spectators including families and siblings. There needs to be an upgrade of the existing recreational facilities in addition to a third playing field. (See points 2., 4. & 5. below)

2. Extension to the amenities building

The extra playing field will create extra demands on the amenities building. An extension seems reasonable, but the flat area of land adjacent to the existing building which may be used for this purpose is currently used by several organised exercise groups. These groups pay a fee to council for use of the reserve and will need to be provided with an alternative flat and preferably shaded area in the reserve.

3. Extension and formalisation of the existing carpark

On busy days, the grassy area on the left of the entrance road is already used as an informal overflow parking area. This has been working well for many years and we question the need for Council to replace the grass with a hard surface, creating another ‘urban heat island’. A cheaper solution might be to simply mark the spaces with some concrete wheel stops.

4. Re-routing of the perimeter path

The existing perimeter path is well used by joggers, cyclists, scooters, walkers, parents with strollers and so on, and can become congested during busy periods – we saw this happen during lockdown. Since part of the path needs reconstructing, it would be a good opportunity to widen the whole path so that users moving at varying speeds can easily pass each other.

Any trees that need to be removed as a result of re-routing and widening the perimeter path, should be replaced with a new tree elsewhere in the reserve.

5. Additional facilities requested by local residents

The reserve is very popular with local residents, but over the years, we have heard many constructive ideas including:

· The play area for young children is too far from the toilets.

· There needs to be a play area for young children adjacent to the BBQ/picnic area

· There are not enough picnic tables/shelters.

· There is nothing for older kids except for one half basketball court.

· Kids are using the carpark and grassy banks to ride bikes and scooters because the perimeter path is too crowded. A separate cycle track is needed.

We suggest the following upgrades are provided:

· The existing playground for young children is a large space that could easily be upgraded with equipment for older children such as a flying fox, climbing net etc.

· A new, smaller playground for younger children should be constructed close to the picnic area and toilets.

· Additional picnic tables/shelters and BBQ facilities should be provided adjacent to both playgrounds.

· A separate bike track should be provided. If there is not enough room in this reserve, another reserve should be considered for this purpose. For instance, perhaps a bike track could be provided in the area adjoining the proposed off-leash dog park in Colbarra Place Reserve.

6. Possibility of future synthetic grass

We are shocked to see that Council has once again raised the prospect of using synthetic turf in this reserve when funds become available. Our committee has researched synthetic turf and is totally opposed to this idea. Judging from the public outcry when synthetic turf was proposed for 55 Coonara Ave, the majority of our residents are also opposed to this idea. Apart from the obvious drawback of pollution from all of that plastic, the surface is much too hot in summer – we measured the surface temperature of Bernie Mullane Reserve’s synthetic grass and it exceeded 80˚C on a sunny day.

We also think that using synthetic turf at this location would be inconsistent with the Hills Strategic Plan for Recreation. The plan favours use of synthetic turf at sites that have open natural surveillance, but the fields at this site cannot be easily seen from surrounding roads and may be subject to vandalism. Sites with minimal tree coverage are also preferred to reduce maintenance and bushfire risks, whereas this site is adjacent to bushland.

A well-constructed natural grass playing field is capable of withstanding high usage rates without the need to pollute the environment with vast amounts of plastic.