VISITORS to Bathurst leave with a lasting impression of the city, due in no small part to the magnificent parks, gardens, sporting facilities and historic streetscapes.
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While the gardens and monuments in Kings Parade and Machattie Park in the town square precinct hold pride of place, they make up just a small portion of the impressive list of assets that make Bathurst a standout regional centre.
While many locals may take it all for granted, it hasn’t just happened by chance.
In no small part, it is the result of the dedication and commitment of the recently retired parks and gardens manager at Bathurst Regional Council, Peter Navin, who put his heart and soul into the job from January 1994 to July 2014.
“I started out with council as the manager of parks and recreation following 13 years working with Port Macquarie City Council in the parks and gardens section,” he said.
“People could not understand that someone would leave Port Macquarie to come to Bathurst and, in all honesty, the intention was to stay for five years, get some experience in the position and then return to the coast.
“The first year was a steep learning curve.
“Looking back, I am very proud and satisfied of the improvements and achievements that I have either instigated or been associated with for the betterment of Bathurst and the region.
“I have been fortunate to work with some of the most professional and knowledgeable council officers who all have and are working for the good of the Bathurst Region and who have assisted and encouraged me in my time at council.
“In addition, I have been lucky enough to meet and work with many who are passionate about their varied interests, be it in a sporting, horticultural or educational sphere, and who are also making Bathurst a better place for all.
“As is always the case, I have also had to deal with those that have their own agendas or believe that they have greater knowledge and experience than those who have put in the time and effort to secure related qualifications, but I do not concern myself too much with such people.”
Mr Navin said he was recently asked what he considered to be his legacy.
“Perhaps my most satisfying project was the construction of the Bathurst Adventure Playground, albeit only the first stage is completed so far,” he said.
“Hopefully, council may soon be able to identify further funding to allow the completion of this most popular attraction.
“Construction of the Bathurst Aquatic Centre is also up there as one of the most satisfying improvements for the city and region during my time.
“Other projects that I am proud of are the construction of the Anne Ashwood rugby union complex, the water-based hockey pitch at the Cooke Hockey Complex, and the major renovation of the Carrington Park playing surface.
“Other sporting facilities that have been improved and or extended include Proctor Park and Police Paddock, the Bathurst Sportsground, Cubis Park, Learmonth Park, Alan Morse Park, the Cycle complex on Vale Road, the John Matthews Sporting Complex netball courts and tennis courts and the Bathurst skate park.
“From an historical and heritage perspective, during my time I organised restoration and repair of the main buildings in Machattie Park, including the rotunda, fernery, Crago Fountain, Monro Fountain and the begonia house.
“The restoration and re-siting of the Lewins Gate back to Machattie Park was also completed during my time, as was the construction of the Okhuma Garden.
“The complete makeover of the Haymarket Reserve at the main entrance to the CBD and the Sydney Road garden beds adjacent to Alan Morse Park were two projects undertaken to enhance the entry to the city.”
Mr Navin said one project he remembers well was the removal of the elm trees in lower Havannah Street for reasons of public safety and the furore this action caused “in some quarters of the community who, if you will excuse the pun, could not see the forest for the trees”.
“However, contrary to the doomsday theory, today sees a healthy and evolving avenue of Chinese Elms which the majority of residents now admire and appreciate,” he said.
Mr Navin said when he first came to Bathurst he could not understand why the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit was not better maintained, at least in relation to the grass verges and spectator areas.
“In Port Macquarie, a large emphasis was put on the constant maintenance of the beaches and foreshores where the majority of visitors gravitated to,” he said.
“Similarly, up to 70 per cent of visitors to Bathurst do a lap or two of the famous motor racing circuit and so I set about securing resources to allow the Mount to be mown and maintained for the whole year, rather than just prior to the Bathurst 1000 each October.
“Now I am proud to say that the circuit is well maintained all year round by council’s outdoor recreation staff with assistance from Glenray staff and this, I believe, has a positive effect on all visitors and residents.”
In retirement, Nr Navin is keeping himself busy doing some casual teaching at TAFE, travelling and enjoying his passion for flying.
“However, I miss most of the people I worked with, the duties I performed and the friends that I made through my work,” he said.
“I must say I am satisfied beyond any doubt that everything I did or instigated I did for the betterment of Bathurst and the greater majority of its residents.
“Even if my wife, Janice, who has always supported and encouraged me, and I return to the coast one day, Bathurst will always hold a special place in our hearts for the experiences that we have been fortunate enough to have encountered during our time here.”