Major upgrade activates Capertee Recreation Reserve
The Central Tablelands community of Capertee now has a fully-activated recreation reserve with facilities for all ages following a collaborative project supported by more than $270,000 funding together with further contributions by the local community.
Capertee, population 130, is world famous for the nearby Capertee Valley regarded as one of the widest canyons on earth, exceeding even The Grand Canyon.
The area is also internationally renowned for bird watching as home to species like the endangered regent honeyeater, plum-headed finch, diamond firetail, painted honeyeater, rockwarbler and swift parrot. Even Australian author and poet Henry Lawson celebrated the 'wild beauty' of the Capertee area in his poem Song of the Old Bullock-Driver.
Now the Capertee Recreation Reserve, 45 km north-west of Lithgow, has been activated to support locals and tourism through a major upgrade including playground, picnic, and fitness trail facilities.
The 12-hectare Crown reserve has been enlivened for families with playground equipment including mini-trampolines, swingsets, a seesaw, basketball hoop, soccer goal area and other rides. Further upgrades include picnic tables, bench seating, a 1.5km cycling, walking and running trail also suitable for prams and wheelchairs, and an outdoor fitness trail with various exercise equipment.
The project was funded by $270,000 from the NSW and Federal government-supported Bushfire Local Economic Recovery fund sourced by Capertee and District Progress Association, with further contributions from residents, Centennial Mines and the Rural Fire Service. Crown Lands also supported the reserve's volunteers with guidance on development approval processes.
Capertee Recreation Reserve Secretary Catherine Palme said the upgraded reserve will be used by Capertee locals and others from the surrounding region as well as visitors to the area and those passing through on the way to Mudgee or Lithgow.
"There is car parking, plenty of space and equipment to play and exercise, and the picnic tables make a great spot to stop for a lunch or morning and afternoon tea to enjoy the natural scenery," Ms Palme said.
Capertee and District Progress Association Secretary Dorothy Pike said the upgraded reserve would provide a boost for the community.
"This project has provided Capertee and the entire district with an awesome recreation space for people of all ages and levels of mobility. It will also provide a great stop off point for visitors to our area to enjoy our beautiful part of the world."
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the project was a combined government and community effort.
"It's fantastic to see this joint effort to activate Capertee Recreation Reserve benefit both locals and visitors to this amazing area. Crown reserves play an important role protecting the environment and supporting communities with everything from recreation to showgrounds and community halls."