Sunday, January 18, 2009

Prentice Park, Willoughby

Willoughby is a bit out of my usual stamping ground, but after riding the Epping Rd cycleway with BayBUG last month, I decided to do it again this week.  When I did the ride with BayBUG, we turned around just before Cremorne and didn't go all the way to the end of the cycle path.  This time, I went all the way to the end before turning around.  

The noise barriers along the Warringah Freeway in Willoughby are very extensively vandalised.  Graffiti stretches along the barriers for at least 100 metres, and covers them from top to bottom.  Some of it is quite offensive.  I've reported this to the RTA via their website and asked them to clean it up.  Planting some creepers at the base of the barriers might help as well.



There is a new pond of some sort here as well - I don't know if this is part of the drainage system, or a water feature for Prentice Park.  Whatever it is, it's full of rubbish.


It's a shame that this lovely little park, dedicated to Sir William and Lady Prentice, has been allowed to degenerate so badly in such a short space of time.





This park is right opposite this rather iconic tower in Gore Hill.  Thousands of people drive past it every day, not knowing the extent of the mess on the other side of the noise barriers.


When I Googled Prentice Park, I found this set of minutes from the local Progress Association covering a meeting in September 2007.  This quote is from the section on Prentice Park:

Question was raised who is responsible for maintaining area, WCC or RTA. Negotiations are still taking place between these parties. Clr Barry Thompson will follow up. Responsibility for areas around Dodds and Rhodes Streets also questioned.

If that question has still not been resolved, it might explain why the park is now a disaster area.  I'm going to contact Willoughby Council, and the Progress Association as well.  

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