It is the perfect time to reactivate new year’s resolutions of getting fit as autumn is just around the corner and more shared pathways have been completed around town. NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro was in Parkes last week to open a 1.3km stretch of pathway along Bushman Street. It forms part of a network of shared pathways that will eventually form a loop around the Northparkes, Pioneer and Spicer Ovals and Holy Family School.
The project, co-funded by Parkes Shire Council and the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Community Fund, is part of Stage 2 of the Parkes Active Movement Strategy to encourage residents to make healthy lifestyle choices.
“Projects like what we see here at Parkes really do breathe new life into regional parts of the state,” said the Deputy Premier. Parkes Shire Councillor George Pratt said “Council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the Parkes Shire by delivering a mix of shared pathways, cycling routes, outdoor fitness equipment and sporting facilities for our community to utilise and enjoy at no cost.”
According to Parkes Shire Council’s Director Works and Services Ben Howard a number of innovations were implemented to improve efficiencies, including trialling a new concrete canvas product. “The flexible, concrete impregnated fabric hardens on hydration to form a thin, durable, water proof and fire-resistant concrete layer. By using this particular product, we have reduced costs, construction times, environmental impact, and water usage.”