Education Centre

The new Centennial Parklands Education Precinct was formally launched by the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust with the Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon. Kevin Greene MP on 30 September 2009.

The Foundation contributed $160,000 towards the establishment of the Precinct, through funds raised at the inaugural Evergreen Dinner, and a pledge through the Pratt Foundation and Visy.

This project will provide a base for volunteer activities and a much needed undercover venue for the Parklands� education programs, as well as a resource for community and recreational clubs for meetings and informal gatherings.

- providing a new education centre for the whole community

School children participating in a Centennial Parklands education program The Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust (Trust) has a long term commitment to environmental education - through servicing the needs of regional schools and community groups led by qualified and experienced Education and Interpretation Rangers.

The Trust currently undertakes environmental education activities and school holiday programs which are designed to promote the Parklands as an education resource focusing on the understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Parklands. In 2007-08, over 13,000 participants were involved in these programs.

All programs are held outdoors and, as a result, are dependent on good weather conditions for their delivery.

Project Information

Background to the Project

In 2008, the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust endorsed a new three-year Education Strategy for Centennial Parklands.

Consultation during the development of the Education Strategy identified the lack of a central all-weather education centre or facility as a critical need for the further improvement of the Parklands' education program.

The Education Strategy recommended the Trust proceed with its long term strategy for developing a suitable education centre within Centennial Parklands.

An Education Centre has been proposed as part of the Trust's Park Improvement Plan 2002-2009, and planning for the project has included the review and a number of feasibility studies, including:

A Precedent Study (2006) that reviewed similar multi-purpose function/education centres in other locations; identifying key issues and informing site selection criteria.
A Locations Options Study (2007) that reviewed four locations across the Parklands � aiming to minimise new building/hardstand and minimise capital cost. A stakeholder workshop rated the four locations, with the highest rating being the Centennial Square location on a range of criteria.
A Feasibility Study (2007) that explored community, education and business opportunities and various funding / set up models.

Conformity with legislation, policies and strategies

The provision of an Education Centre is consistent with the following aims of the Trust and the Foundation:

The Trust's Act, section 8b) encourages 'the use and enjoyment of the Trust lands by the public by promoting and increasing the recreational, historical, scientific, educational, cultural and environmental value of those lands'.
The Centennial Parklands' Park Improvement Plan 2002 � 2009 includes provision for a visitor education or interpretation centre within Centennial Parklands.
The development of a multi-purpose education / function centre supports the objectives of the Centennial Parklands Corporate Plan.
It is also a key requirement of the NSW State Plan (E8) to increase visitation to Parks by 20 per cent. The provision of an all-weather multi use facility will increase visitors for education and community purposes.
NSW Environmental Education Plan 2007-2010: Learning for Sustainability - relevant to all people whose work involves making decisions about environmental matters, including those working in environmental management, policy, education, communications, training, community involvement and research, whether in industry, educational institutions, government or community organisations.

Additionally, the following items have been identified and will be managed during project implementation:

Conformance with the Centennial Parklands Conservation Management Plan in relation to built structures. In particular the requirement to minimise the addition of hard stand (permanent paved surfaces).
Centennial Square site is graded of �little� significance in the Conservation Management Plan, although the adjacent Fly Casting Pond and its native flora and fauna are graded of �high� significance. Potential heritage and aesthetic issues with placing the education centre in this location will require detailed review.
Consultation with NSW Heritage Office to manage potential issues with development.
Community consultation about the project and its scope and impact.

Project Funding