Objective
To effectively manage the use of lands under the care and management of Greater Sydney Parklands (GSP) for cross-country and walkathon activities.
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Introduction
GSP recognises the important contribution that cross-country carnivals and walkathons make towards community health and wellbeing. We welcome and support access for groups and schools to provide opportunities for the community to participate in fitness activities.
The increasing number of cross-country carnivals and walkathons in the park has raised several issues of concern for the community and space managers including:
- equity of access – e.g. potential conflict with regular users, management of demand, domination and monopolisation of areas and use of public land;
- impact on assets – e.g. large groups causing undue wear and tear to recreational facilities;
- public safety and liability concerns – e.g. participants running onto roadways; and
- impacts upon nearby residents, stakeholders and the public e.g. noise.
This policy addresses the need to regulate cross-country carnivals and walkathon groups using Western Sydney Parklands and Parramatta Park.
Aims
In implementing this policy, GSP aims to:
- ensure equity of access to the park
- ensure the safety of participants
- ensure cross-country and walkathons do not impact turf and facility condition and maintenance
- minimise safety and public liability concerns
- appropriately manage the park to prevent conflicts
- minimise the impact on nearby residents, stakeholders and park users.
Scope
This policy covers all lands within Western Sydney Parklands and Parramatta Park under the care and management of GSP for all:
- school cross-country carnivals and walkathons
- zone, state and other cross-country carnivals and walkathons
- other organised cross-country carnivals and walkathons.
Groups excluded from this policy
This policy does not apply to the following groups:
- commercial races and/or activities
- fundraising races and/or activities
- cycling races and/or activities
- triathlons or other multi-discipline races and/or activities.
These activities can occur within Western Sydney Parklands and Parramatta Park with the relevant approval.
Legislation and regulations
GSP is established under the NSW Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022. GSP is responsible for the long-term strategic planning and operational day-to-day management of Parramatta Park and Western Sydney Parklands.
The management of Parramatta Park is guided by legislation, most relevantly the Parramatta Park Trust Act 2001, and regulated by the Parramatta Park Trust Regulation.
The management of Western Sydney Parklands is guided by legislation, most relevantly the Western Sydney Parklands Act 2006 and regulated by the Western Sydney Parklands Regulation.
Permissible activities
The following types of activities are permitted, subject to approval:
- cross country carnivals
- walkathons
- other associated activities approved by GSP.
Group sizes
There are no set limitations to group sizes. We will assess each application and will determine the number of persons permitted per group and the number of groups that are permitted to use the park.
Approval
If approval is granted by GSP the activity will occur only in the designated area on the approved date and at the approved time.
Designated routes
Designated routes are paths defined and approved by GSP. We currently offer three designated route options for activity organisers. These routes are designed to minimise participant interaction with internal roadways and high-traffic areas. Designated routes may be subject to change based on community feedback and operational factors, such as grass condition.
Fees
Fees for Western Sydney Parklands are applicable under this policy as per the GSP Fee Schedule and are listed below.
- Fee: $0.55 per school student
- Application Fee: $60.00
- Bond*: $330.00 (*Bond only applicable for cross-country bookings over 300 students.)
All fees quoted include GST and are subject to periodic review and change.
Cross-country and walkathons based in Parramatta Park refer to the Sports fee schedule. (prices vary)
General conditions
Cross-country carnivals and walkathons are subject to the following general conditions of approval, which may be supplemented or varied where necessary.
Organisers of each activity approved by GSP:
a) must ensure that participants are supervised by teachers and/or parent volunteers at all times and throughout the course
b) must only map out the approved course using cones and/or witches hats; with the use of spray marks and or pegged ropes not permitted
c) must ensure that participants only run the course route approved by GSP
d) must only use areas designated by GSP
e) must not display any advertising signs including banners or ‘A’ frame signs
f) must, before commencing a session, inspect the immediate area to ensure no hazards are present and the area is safe for their activity. If any hazards are present the activities organisers must exclude that area from use and report the issue to GSP without delay
g) shall conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner and be considerate of other users, adjacent residents and stakeholders at all times
h) shall conduct their activities so as not to dominate, monopolise and/or obstruct any stairways and/or pathways
i) must not create any noise that unreasonably disturbs other users, adjacent residents or stakeholders. GSP may direct a reduction of noise levels from time to time due to noise impacts on others
j) must comply with any reasonable directions of GSP
k) shall indemnify and hold GSP harmless from and against all damages, sum of money, costs, charges, expenses, actions, claims and demands which may be sustained or suffered or recovered or made against GSP by any person for any loss of life or injury or damage any person may sustain due to the negligent act of the activities organiser conducting the activities
l) shall take out and maintain in the name and indemnifying GSP, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) approved public liability insurance for a minimum of $10 million and produce documentary evidence of this at the time of application
m) shall agree that notwithstanding any implication or rule of law to the contrary, GSP shall not be liable for any damage or loss that any activity and its participants may suffer by the act, default or neglect of any other person or by reason of GSP failing to do something on or to the public space used
n) shall be responsible for satisfying all their Work Health & Safety legislation and regulation responsibilities
o) shall be liable for any fees or levies required by the Department of Industrial Relations or Work Cover NSW or any other public authority or statutory body for their activities.
Application process
To apply for approval to hold your activity in Western Sydney Parklands and Parramatta Park you must complete and submit an application form and provide copies of insurance certificates.
Applications are processed within 10 working days and you will be advised via email of tentative approval for your activity and issued with a quote confirming the cost.
Once payment in full has been received your application will be finalised and you will be issued with your confirmation letter.
Termination of approval
GSP reserves the right to terminate any confirmed activity. This action may be undertaken if, in its sole opinion, it has determined that the activity organiser has failed to comply with the reasonable directions of its staff or has breached the terms of approval or this policy.
Review
This policy will be reviewed every 2 years or as determined by GSP.
Responsibility
The Senior Manager, Visitor Services, is responsible for the overall management of this policy.
Further information
For further information or any enquiries about cross-country carnivals and walkathons, please contact GSP at:
- Western Sydney Parklands - Phone: (02) 9895 7500 Email: [email protected]
- Parramatta Park - Phone: (02) 9895 7599 Email: [email protected]