Arthur Phillip Park officially reopens with outdoor cinema screening

City of Parramatta will host a free outdoor cinema event during the school holidays to celebrate the official reopening of Arthur Phillip Park in Northmead following a $1.24 million park upgrade.

The community is invited to enjoy a free screening of Sonic the Hedgehog (2022) from sundown, with popcorn, live music, outdoor games, children’s workshops, roving entertainment and food and drink on offer on Friday 19 April, from 4 to 9pm.

The upgraded park is close to public transport and features a larger playground with an accessible play space, nature play area, a half-court basketball space, a climbing tower, additional picnic and BBQ areas with drinking water fountains, waste bins, new solar pathway lighting, landscaping and tree planting offering shade throughout the park.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said the free outdoor cinema event is a great opportunity for the community to enjoy free activities during the school holidays and experience the improved park.

“This event is a great way to start the school holidays and enjoy family-fun activities in a modern park right at our doorstep,” Cr Esber said.

“Our community played a significant role in shaping the improvements for our much-loved park and we’re proud to deliver this significant recreational space with more shade and picnic areas that our community need.

“We know how important open spaces are to our local schools, sporting groups and residents, these upgrades will provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun throughout the year.”

The Stage 1 upgrades were jointly funded by City of Parramatta and the NSW Government through the Public Spaces Legacy Program.

The NSW Government has contributed $1.15 million to the park upgrade.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully is pleased to support additional growth in areas such as Parramatta by delivering critical infrastructure and high-quality open space to support more homes.

“Arthur Phillip Park has been transformed into a beautiful space which will be enjoyed by families and local sporting groups for decades to come,” Mr Scully said.

“Parramatta is a thriving area and the Government knows that to support a growing community, we must provide the infrastructure.

“Only last year we announced an injection of $10.6 million to fast-track a pedestrian link through Parramatta so more people can access the amazing sites it has to offer, like this park.”

Attending the event, Donna Davis MP, Member for Parramatta said the new upgrades have made the park more accessible and safer for everyone to enjoy.

These upgrades complete Stage 1 of the Arthur Phillip Master Plan with Council pursuing additional funding to deliver the following stages.