Gannan & McCauley Park Revised Masterplan inc. Sports Field Lighting

The New South Wales government has forecast the City of Ryde’s population to grow by 43.1% (2016 – 2036). There is an identified shortfall of sportsgrounds across the City of Ryde, especially grounds with sports field lighting for evening use. Council actively manages the use and intensity of use of the parks and sporting facilities to ensure sustainable and ongoing use. Intensive and overuse of our existing sportsgrounds adversely impacts on the standard and usability of these facilities. To address this Council is expanding the number of sports fields with lighting, including Gannan Park.

The masterplan and proposed lighting at Gannan Park is one of a number of projects that Council is investigating to address the last of the supply.

Council can leave the parks as they are, however, without park upgrades and new infrastructure, such as sports field lighting, Council simply cannot meet the sport and recreation needs of the growing community. This would ultimately mean that some residents in local sporting teams may not be able to participate in local sports.

As an outcome of this Have Your Say, Council may decide to leave the park as is for the next few years. Although, as our local community grows and the need for sportsgrounds continues to increase, it is likely the upgrade of Gannan Park with sports field lighting will be an ongoing conversation in the years to come.

The information provided in the Revised Draft Masterplan is only indicative. Should the Draft Masterplan be endorsed by Council a Development Application for sports field lighting will be lodged. The Development Application will include independent reports for lighting, traffic and acoustics. Specific details of the lights such as location, pole heights and hours will be stipulated in the Development Application when lodged. Council anticipates sports field lighting hours of operation in the Development Application will be 4.30pm – 9.30pm Monday – Friday. Surrounding residents will be notified of the details and will have another opportunity to make a submission.

An initial sports field lighting concept has been obtained, which only indicates compliance with relevant Australian Standards (AS2560 and AS4282). A design of the light spill area would be required as part of a Development Application for sports field lights. This design would incorporate the use of modern lighting technology (LED light fittings) that provides more directional light and minimises light spill.