With lockdown diminishing exercise options, walking became a saviour for many locals in recent months.
It also highlighted the lack of natural walking tracks around St Marys, according to one Penrith Councillor.
Councillor Robin Cook is calling on Council to establish a nature walk, suggesting it could start at Coachmans Park, follow South Creek and link up with the existing pathways along the perimeter of The Kingsway.
“I’m getting a lot of feedback from the community during COVID about the lack of natural walking tracks around the St Marys area,” she said during a recent Council meeting.
“If we look into the future with the metro going in, the higher density living that is going in around the CBD and also in the suburbs around the area as well, I think there is a need there which COVID has really showed up.”
Council confirmed it was looking to enhance walking connectivity in the area.
“As part of its forward planning and green grid strategies, Council is looking to enhance walking connectivity within St Marys and to adjoining suburbs,” a Council spokesman said.
“An existing shared path connects the town centre of St Marys to Penrith, with opportunities to link that further to Werrington Lake, The Kingsway and the Gipps Street precinct.
“The Gipps Street Recreation precinct, a $23 million sports and recreation facility being delivered by Council, will have extensive nature walks that will connect the town centre of St Marys’ Queen Street via South Creek and The Kingsway.”
Cr Cook, who suggested Council call upon the State Government’s WestInvest funding, also requested Council future-proof St Marys’ library.
The Council spokesman said the need for a larger library has been identified, however the operational and capital costs to build a new library were not within Council’s existing budget.
“Council will continue to explore opportunities for a new library building through its own future developments or in partnership with private development within the Queen Street precinct,” the spokesman said.
Alena Higgins
Alena Higgins is the Weekender's Senior News Reporter, primarily covering courts and Council issues.