UPDATE: Barbecue is cancelled due to the snow
Armidale Regional Council is inviting residents to help shape the future of the region’s parks, reserves, and recreational facilities, starting with a community barbecue in Curtis Park this Sunday, 3 August, from 10am to 2pm.
The event marks the beginning of public consultation for Council’s Open Space and Recreation Strategy, which will guide how parks, natural areas, sports facilities, and off-road trails are planned, developed, and managed over the next 15 years.
Council says the strategy is essential to support the needs of a growing population, and will align with local and state planning frameworks, promote healthy lifestyles, and address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity, and accessibility.
“This is a vital opportunity for the community to have their say on the future of our outdoor spaces,” said Armidale Regional Council General Manager James Roncon.
“We want to know what facilities people value most, what improvements they’d like to see, and how we can better support a growing and diverse population.”
Specialist consultants @leisure Planners will lead the engagement, including interviews with key stakeholders, target groups, and interest organisations. Site inspections and stakeholder workshops will take place across the region in early August.
A draft strategy—complete with a long-term vision, priorities, and recommendations—is expected to be presented to Council by mid-2026.
Community members can share their ideas via the Your Say Armidale website, where they can complete a detailed survey and use an interactive map to mark the parks and facilities they use most, and suggest improvements.
Survey participants also go into the draw to win one of ten $200 vouchers for local sporting retailers, plus a $1,000 prize for a local sporting club of their choice.
Have your say at: Open Space and Recreation Strategy | Your Say Armidale
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