INDEPENDENT magazine group HAWKESBURY • HILLS • BLACKTOWN
LOCAL LIFE
Cockayne Reserve opens new pathways
to a more connected Hills
The completion of construction at Cockayne Reserve in Castle Hill unlocks fantastic recreational opportunities for Hills’ residents and better pedestrian access between local streets.
The upgraded park is nestled along Cattai Creek in the Castle Hill Showground Precinct and features two playgrounds, two pedestrian bridges, an exercise station, a picnic shelter,
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Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said Cockayne Reserve provides residents with more opportunities to walk, ride, and spend time outdoors in the leafy park.
“ Cockayne Reserve is a terrific space for residents to enjoy the vibrant playgrounds, cycle on the shared pathways, and walk across the picturesque pedestrian bridges,” Mayor Byrne said.
“ This project is an essential part of the Cattai Creek Corridor Master Plan which protects the valuable ecological areas along the creek line whilst also providing amenities for our community to enjoy.
“ The corridor will eventually create a pedestrian link from Middleton Avenue to Hills Showground Metro Station, which will alleviate traffic congestion and street parking and make our community more walkable and connected.”
The $ 6.6 million project is jointly funded by the NSW Government and Council.
The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully MP, said the NSW Government invested $ 5 million
Mayor Byrne pictured with her daughter Sophie enjoying one of the new play spaces in Cockayne Reserve.
Warm up this winter with free guided bushwalks
Embrace the cooler months and discover the natural beauty of the Bushland Shire with Hornsby Shire Council’ s free guided bushwalks this winter.
Designed exclusively for Hornsby Shire residents, the walks cater to all levels— whether you’ re after a gentle stroll or a more challenging trek. Led by knowledgeable guides, these walks offer a chance to connect with nature while learning about the area’ s rich natural and cultural heritage. towards the project.“ Cockayne Reserve will directly benefit more than 1,000 nearby homes, delivering better access to open space within 800 metres of their doorsteps,” Minister Scully said.
“ The NSW Government are building better communities through projects like this which provide high-quality public open spaces, to support
Upcoming winter walks include:
• Jerusalem Bay Bushwalk, Cowan
• Endangered Forest Walk, Cherrybrook
• Refuge Rock Walk for Beginners, Cherrybrook
• Gibberagong Waterhole Walk, North Wahroonga
• Smugglers Ridge Walk, Fiddletown Mayor Warren Waddell is encouraging locals to take part.
“ These guided walks are a fantastic way to stay active, explore our beautiful bushland, and learn more about the local environment,” he said.
The winter program is part of a seasonal series of bushwalks offered throughout the year, showcasing the
development and give residents a place to relax, unwind, and play.”
Cockayne Reserve currently connects local streets in Castle Hill including Middleton Avenue, White Cedar Drive, James Place, and Facer Court.
For more information visit, www. thehills. nsw. gov. au and search‘ Cockayne Reserve’.
Shire’ s changing landscape. The walks are very popular, so early booking is essential. Registrations open one month before each event.
For walk dates and bookings, visit hornsby. nsw. gov. au / bushwalks 4 ISSUE 121 // JULY 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT