Sophia Crescent Reserve Playground Investigation

Sophia Crescent Reserve is located at the corner of Sophia Crescent and Williams Road, North Rocks.

The surrounding residential area is accessed by Barclay Road and Perry Street, and is bounded by the M2 to the north, Muirfield Golf Course to the east, and bushland to the south and west.

Council recognises the importance of play in the healthy development of children. Council’s Community Infrastructure Strategy* (CIS) recommends that residents should have access to good quality play opportunities, ideally within 400m of their homes, and ideally within 250m for those living in high-density areas. Based on the recommendation in the CIS, there is currently an underprovision of playgrounds within the surrounding residential area.

Sophia Crescent Reserve has been identified as the only Council-owned land which could potentially accommodate a small playground to service local residents. Bushland locations have been deemed unsuitable due to the presence of steep topography, limited passive surveillance and protected vegetation.

* The Community Infrastructure Strategy (CIS) outlines the City of Parramatta’s long-term direction for community infrastructure provision. It focuses on community infrastructure over which Council has primary responsibility, plays a role in delivering, or seeks to advocate for on behalf of the community.

Preliminary investigations and design of the proposed playground are being funded through Council’s North Rocks Ward Initiatives Program (2024/25) following advocacy from members of the local community.

Future implementation works (construction) is currently un-funded, however Council is currently reviewing potential funding options.

Sophia Crescent Reserve is a relatively small open space with scattered vegetation. There is currently no infrastructure on-site.

A small playground and associated facilities is being considered at Sophia Crescent Reserve.

Due to existing site constraints (e.g. trees, small available space, proximity to road etc.) the proposed playground will be of a relatively modest size. It is likely the playground will cater to young children aged 0 - 6 years old, and could include:
•    A swing set
•    Imaginative play equipment (e.g. shop front panel)
•    Balancing elements
•    Playground safety surfacing
•    Access paths
•    Seats

The following is not being considered at Sophia Reserve Crescent:

• Large pieces of play equipment due to limited space (e.g. climbing net, flying fox etc.)
• Waterplay
• Shade sails
• Lighting
• Bin
• BBQ
• Bubbler

Tree removal for the proposed playground will be required. The extent of tree removal has not yet been determined, as this will be subject to the development of a concept plan and associated arborist investigations. Impact of any proposed works on structural root zones will also need to be considered.

It will be proposed to retain trees on the edges of the reserve (adjacent adjoining properties), and focus any playground development towards the front and centre of the reserve.

Due to the proximity of the proposed playground to the road, it is likely that a fence will be recommended.

Given the potential level of impact to surrounding residents and tree removal required, it is proposed a playground at this location will be assessed under a Review of Environmental Factors (REF).

An REF is an environmental assessment undertaken to determine the impact of a proposed activity on the environment for works undertaken by Council that do not require development consent. The REF examines the significance of any likely impacts on the surrounding environment and community and includes mitigation measures to be implemented to reduce any identified adverse impacts.