BATHURST Regional Council could set aside $500,000 in the next financial year to make improvements to Centennial Park.
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A report on the park, to be considered at Wednesday's council meeting, recommends that council rollover the $250,000 allocation in the 2019-20 budget to the following financial year.
In addition to that, director of Engineering Services Darren Sturgiss recommends a further $250,000 be provided in the 2020-21 budget so that an automatic irrigation system can be installed at the park.
"Obviously, such works would only be undertaken subject to current water security issues easing," he said.
Unless council makes the extra funding available, there will not be enough money to install the irrigation system.
"Unfortunately the amount provided is not sufficient to cover the anticipated cost to install irrigation at Centennial Park," Mr Sturgiss said.
"To install an automatic irrigation system to the park in its existing state would require redesign costs and a budget in the vicinity of $500,000 in order to proceed with such works."
But the $500,000 allocation wouldn't be the end of funding if the recommendations of the report are adopted.
Mr Sturgiss also recommends that council provide annual funding of $250,000, to be placed in reserve from 2021-22 to build towards the future construction of the adopted Centennial Park landscape design.
"Such funding is to be reserved until such time as sufficient funds exist to to implement the landscape project," he said in the report.
The design, which council adopted in February this year, is estimated to cost $4.5 million and Mr Sturgiss has previously said that its not really feasible to stage the work.
A revamped Centennial Park would include a new children's playground area, designated picnic area with a double barbecue and shade shelters, a formal off-street car park, fitness equipment and a central gazebo to "enhance the historical nature of this park".
There would also be additional seating, a small open oval for recreation purposes, landscaping and heritage-style LED lighting.
In his report, Mr Sturgiss noted the concerns the Friends of Centennial Park Group has for the park's future and funding.
Council has had further discussions with the group and the funding proposal outlined in the report has been agreed to by the group.
In addition to setting aside funding in its budgets, council will look and apply for suitable grants that could help to fast-track plans for the park.
