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What is important to you in considering open space recreation use of Old Mans Valley?
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Comment 1 28 Jan 2010, 10:57 AM
Easy access, easy parking, ample amenities, a place to showcase our lovely shire
Comment 1.1 23 Feb 2010, 12:21 AM
OMV is valuable open space within easy walking distance to bus, rail and town centre. Roads, car-parking and other structures should be kept to an absolute minimum.
Comment 2 28 Jan 2010, 8:30 PM
something that is free to use, can be used by anyone and everyone (young or old), not too expensive to maintain, and allows people the choice as to whether to undertake passive or active activities
Comment 2.1 29 Jan 2010, 10:14 PM
Free to use would be lovely, however a small charge $2 for carparking could be incorporated to help maintain facilities.
Maybe Hornsby residents could get free parking and only people that visit from outside the shire have to pay??
Comment 2.1.1 25 Feb 2010, 11:21 PM
maybe we could just not have a car park - then we dont have to pay to build it or maintain it
Comment 3 28 Jan 2010, 9:43 PM
Cater for Off-Road Bicycles. Enough "Walking" Tracks!
We still don't have a designated Cross Country Mountain Bike Track. We keep building more and more walking tracks whilst the recreation strategy document (that has been adopted) and states ""Mountain Bike Australia membership has increased by almost 400% over the last 5 years. Only 5 – 10% of mountain bike owners actually belong to an organised group or club. NSW has the largest proportion of Mountain Bike Australia memberships with over 1,500 members from NSW. With the advancements in technology and rider skill there is an increased demand for more challenging trails to more…
Comment 3.1 29 Jan 2010, 9:33 PM
NoelG, Agree totally re need for mountain bike trails and your sign-off point - love of the bush is a huge part of the appeal of the sport. I do more bushwalking than riding, simply because there are so few places to ride. core of the park should be Centennial Park style parklands, with the mountain bike trails extending through and around it. built sports facilities would ruin it.
Comment 3.2 2 Feb 2010, 2:07 PM
I recieved this mailout as well at the end of last year and was surprised with the vast amount of mis-treuths printed on it. Mountain bike trails, when properley designed and constructed are on par, if not better (when taking into account articfical structures like steps) than bush walking trails with regards to errosion and environmental impact.
I look forward to the day when my entire family can enjoy the benfits of our local area on trails accessable to mountain bike riding.
As stated, part of the appeal of mountain bike riding is the appreciation and love of the bush.
Comment 3.2.1 6 Feb 2010, 2:59 PM
I agree - we need trails accessable to both walkers and riders. However - the 2 are really not that compatible and the safest option is to separate the 2 - a MTB cross country track and walking tracks. Albeit that there are plenty of walking tracks nearby and so what we need in Hornsby Shire is MTB tracks as there are no dedicated tracks. Properly built (i.e taking into account the terrain) a mountain bike track costs very little to biuld and requires no extra materials to be imported to the site - and on going erosion is reduced with a bit of maintainance.
Comment 3.3 23 Feb 2010, 12:26 AM
OMV isn't bushland. The bike trails should extend into Berowra Valley State Recreation area imediately below OMV.
Comment 4 28 Jan 2010, 10:19 PM
It is important that it be open green space for all to enjoy, and it must be in keeping with the natural environment that makes Hornsby a nice place to live. It should be accessible and appealing to everyone, not locked up or used for specific interests.
Comment 5 29 Jan 2010, 5:12 PM
We need more dog walking areas. An off lead area would be great, one that the dogs can enjoy a natural setting not just a cleared grass area devoid of trees.
Comment 5.1 3 Feb 2010, 5:19 PM
We agree, all the off leash dog parks in our shire are tiny little patches of boring grass and most of the bush trails nearby are out of bounds for dogs even if they are on a leash. So many people in our shire owns a dog or two but there are so few places you can take them... unlike Europe. How about an off lead area for dogs, picnic grounds with a cafe/restaurant for the people, something similar to the off leash area at Bayview which is where we currently have to go.
Comment 5.1.1 5 Feb 2010, 12:22 PM
Yes a free multi use parkland area for the use of all residents whether they be bike riders, family picnics or lazing in the sun.
Something along the lines of what Bobbin Head used to be before NP took over.
Comment 5.2 21 Feb 2010, 3:02 PM
What a lot of people who don't get is that off leash areas for dogs add to community safety by properly socialising dogs and reducing fear and aggression in dogs. This means that they are not as likely to bit or even growl as they feel comfortable around people and other dogs.
Dedicated dog lovers who take their dogs to these areas keep the area clean as they don't want to lose it!
Comment 5.2.1 24 Feb 2010, 5:11 PM
my experience with "dedicated dog areas" in larger parks is that owners go to use the designated area, find other dogs in the area, can not let their dogs into the designated area because the dogs may not get along, so they go and use other areas of the park which are not designated for off leash dogs and then children can't use the park because there are dogs running around which they are afraid of...not to mention their unmentionables which they leave behind.
Comment 5.2.1.1 24 Feb 2010, 9:49 PM
What larger parks are you referring to? In Centennial Park the off the leash dog area works magnificently. There is a children's playground in this area which requires dogs to be on the leash, and the dog owners who walk their dogs in this area adhere to this.
Children should be taught not to be afraid of dogs but to read their body language. I have had so many kids run up to my dogs and try and pull their tails. Luckily I have placid dogs who put up with this. Children should be taught how to approach and respect animals, not to fear them.
I truly pity you if you believe that children should be afraid of animals and should be denied the lessons that pet ownership teaches.
Comment 5.2.1.1.1 25 Feb 2010, 11:26 PM
spot on once again Mrs C
Comment 6 5 Feb 2010, 2:17 PM
A mix of facilities that includes walking trails (walking only), dedicated Mountain bike trails, Open Parklands for hanging out, ample parking, good environmentally sound amenities, free access. Basically an area catering to all who enjoy the outdoors. A dedicated cross country mountain bike trail of National racing standard would be would be ideal (as Sydney does not currently have said facility), and if properly constructed, members of the cycling community would be actively involved in trail maitenance and reducing its environmental impact.
Comment 6.1 6 Feb 2010, 11:01 AM
I fully agree Fidsey.
Facilities for mountain bike riding in particular are fairly scarce in Sydney.
The Mt Stromlo development in Canberra is a fantastic example of how fairly difficult terrain can be developed at fairly low cost for the enjoyment of riders, runners, walkers and others.
The ongoing maintenance costs would be relatively low compared with more formal european style parks and sports fields.
Comment 6.1.1 6 Feb 2010, 12:05 PM
Further to the comments made by shume, a well designed mountain biking facility not only provides a great facility for local residents, but has the potential to add significant income to the area through visits from riders from other parts of Sydney and beyond.
It is normal for Sydney riders to drive to Canberra and other regional areas to ride because of a lack of facilities in Sydney. Most mountain bike riders are conservation minded and would make great use of such a facility.
Comment 6.2 11 Feb 2010, 12:48 PM
Mt Stromlo is a great example of a multi use site for mountain bikes, road bikes, horses, runners and walkers.
Wingello is a great example of a local shire collectively creating something that will bring sports-minded tourists into the area.
Awaba is a fantastic example of Forests NSW, National Parks and mountain bikers working together to ensure that a facility that is sustainable is properly built in the first instance.
The key thing is consultation and open, informed discussion.
Activities such as the 'Yellow Flier' are not the way to initiate informed consultation.
Comment 6.3 23 Feb 2010, 12:33 AM
OMV is in a very urban setting. It needs to be a multi use, easy access parkland for the thousands of residents who live nearby.
"A dedicated cross country mountain bike trail of National racing standard" sounds very limited.
Comment 7 13 Feb 2010, 2:25 PM
I support the development of moutain biking facilities in Old Mans Valley and the Quarry. There is a complete lack of dedicated mountain biliking facilities in Greater Sydney, which is a popular and growing recreational sport in Australia. The closest area was Manly Dam, this has now had major sections closed, so I would now have to get to places like Ourimbah to ride properly built single mountain biking tracks, which is an hour away by car.
Given the wide expanses of bushland that surround Hornsby shire, it is great to see the Hornsby Council being forward thinking in incorporating single more…
Comment 8 14 Feb 2010, 5:54 PM
As already mentioned by numerous comments, Mountain bike or other off road bicycle tracks is something that this Shire is missing. Even though there are fire trails we can use, these are not really designed for enjoyable biking. Modeling the area could be based on the 'commons' in England e.g. Epsom Common. These have facilities for biking, walking, ponds and picnic areas and deciduous trees.
Comment 9 21 Feb 2010, 8:41 AM
It is great news to hear that single mountian bike tracks are being considered for this area. I live in Westleigh, but currently have to drive out of the area with a few mates to find suitable single tracks. I would use such tracks regularly.
In the past ten years I have seen my rates spent on unleashed dog parks, skateboard parks (with the ongoing high costs of maintenance to remove graffiti); a basketball court; and kids playgrounds being constantly upgraded. I have no problem with such expenditure, but what is lacking in the Hornsby Shire council is suitable off road more…
Comment 10 23 Feb 2010, 12:36 AM
I would like to see a small skate park.
Comment 11 23 Feb 2010, 12:40 AM
I would like to see the new aquatic centre sprawling down the hill into OMV. Build the grandstand into the ground facing west and open up the valley to the Old Side Shops.
Comment 12 24 Feb 2010, 3:49 PM
Hornsby needs a multi-function recreational park, something like a smaller scale Centennial Parklands or Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush. It needs to include a large array of children's playground equipment, including accessible play equipment (e.g. Liberty Swing), nature based activities (e.g. Nature Trail), a large field for sports and games, a skate park, bike tracks for the beginners and advanced, as well as a picnic area and BBQs. The large field could also be used for outdoor concerts and movies. There seems to be a few of these style large recreation parks around Sydney but unfortunately you need to travel to the Beaches or the other side of the City for them.
Perhaps the Hornsby Aquatic Centre could be rebuilt on this land then the current Aquatic Centre land could be incorporated to the larger recreational park. It does need ample car parking, however its proximity to the rail and bus services mean that people should be encouraged to use them instead.
Comment 12.1 25 Feb 2010, 11:45 PM
I agree with many of your comments but please no Liberty Swing. Accessible play should be inclusive not exclusive. The liberty swing tends to isolate the user from the rest of the action. Especially when a misguided parks manager, engineer, risk manager or playground certifier insists on building a fence around it. Does it have to be this way:
"hey look at me all on my own every one, on my special swing, inside my special fence because i have special needs and no one will transfer me to a regular swing or just let me cruise around the rest of the playground, hangout and make friends"
Comment 13 2 Mar 2010, 2:42 PM
OMV should be a mixture of passive and active recreation. Passive - playgrounds for the kiddies and some parkland. Active - a mountain bike trail! The mountain bike trail should lead off into other areas of the shire.
Comment 14 3 Mar 2010, 5:37 PM
It seems the least burden to local ratepayers would be to leave the land in as natural state as possible, with minimal paths to give local kids somewhere safe to ride their bikes, and also allow wheelchair access (wheelchair access to local National Park tracks is abysmal, especially via public transport).
A layout along the lines of the Botanical Gardens or Wahroonga Park would cater to the majority of locals, especially considering the number of children currently being raised in units with no gardens.
Comment 15 8 Mar 2010, 5:21 PM
100s of thousands of dollars is spent on bushwalking tracks. millions is spent on indoors sports centres. The number of mountain bikers in the area exceeds that of the bushwalkers and indoors sports users and yet there is nothing spent on them. Also, when Council proposes spending something on mountain bike facilities, other parts of the community seem stunned that council would even consider spending any money!
Unfortunately the media latches onto the more extreme forms of mountain biking. The bulk of riders actually ride cross country - this is too boring for TV shows ! It is low impact, more…
Comment 16 9 Mar 2010, 9:06 AM
Outside the OMV (or the outer edges of it) and outside the "trail head" with easy trails next to it the quarry and surrounding lands presents an amazing opportunity for a comprehensive mountain bike park. This could bring tourism dollars to Hornsby - lots of them. This is not single track though. Its doesnt need a lot of space and could be located in the more degraded sections of land and kept away from sensitive bushland that is more suited to narrow single track contour trails.
Comment 17 12 Mar 2010, 10:46 PM
Hornsby is in the center of all the well established and sustainably built mountain bike tracks/parks of Sydney and beyond and with the sport growing considerably over the last few years with yuonger and older generations realising that it is not only haelthy and fun but an exciting way to see our natural land around us. It is extremely common for groups of riders heading down to Canberra or north towards Newcastle for day and weekend rides. Just think of the income that Hornsby could generate from OMV having a sustainbly built Mountain Bike Park - This would not need much room as a Cross Country Track could head off and wind around Berowa Valley Regional Park thus leaving a lot of space for all the other suggestions put forward. With the Trailhead at OMV it would bring business to the shops in Hornsby and grin's from ear to ear for riders who want to use this area and help maintain it and preserve it........We are green too !!!
Comment 18 13 Mar 2010, 12:56 PM
Walking or riding into omv will be a reasonably hard effort. I lot of work needs to go into making the walk or ride there enjoyable. A family with strollers should find it fairly easy. Therefore it needs to be gradual , through beautiful bushland, it should feel safe aswell. Be well lit at night. It shouldn't be a place that feels dangerous. By ensuring things like biketracks, walking tracks and mountain bike tracks or mountain bike park facilities are around, then this keeps plenty of legitimate activity happening and helps deter people that might be scary to a mum pushing a stroller.
Comment 19 20 Mar 2010, 9:43 PM
A pavilion! We need a choice pavilion. Every good park has a great pavilion. I was at mount stromlo today and there's was awesome.
Also, the sculpture garden at the national art gallery would go perfectly in omv. And the cool misty water sculpture.
Comment 20 24 Mar 2010, 2:02 PM
There is a real need to use a space like this to educate while recreate. Very few children can name the native plant species they see growing around them or have any knowledge of their importance in Aboriginal culture. It can be a valuable platform of collaboration between the local Darug and Guringai representatives and the council to design a discovery walking trial. Australia is about more than possums and koalas. Can I also suggest that the staff at the council nursery in Pennant Hills be consulted in the landscaping process, since they have a very thorough knowledge and understanding of what will grow fast and hassle free on the site.