Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce the completion of the Lake Endeavour Activation Project, marking a significant milestone in transforming the lake into the Parkes Shire’s first developed natural water location for recreational use.
This $1 million project, funded by the NSW Government’s Places to Swim program and recognised as a winner at the weekend's Tidy Towns awards, brings new opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Endeavour.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, praised the project as a much-needed addition to the region’s recreational offerings.
“Lake Endeavour has long been a hidden gem in our Shire, and this project now opens it up for everyone to enjoy,” Cr Westcott said.
“With very few natural water-based recreational spaces in the area, our residents can now stay local to swim, kayak, fish, or just relax by the water’s edge.”
“By transforming Lake Endeavour into a vibrant recreational space, we’re not only enhancing lifestyle options for our community but also attracting visitors, which will bring further economic benefits to the Shire,” he added.
“Opening up Lake Endeavour has been a long-held desire in our community, and we’re proud to deliver this transformative project with the support of the NSW Government,” Cr Westcott said.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the NSW Government invested $1 million towards the Lake Endeavour Activation through the Places to Swim program.
“Lake Endeavour’s transformation into a new swimming and recreational area is perfectly timed ahead of the warm summer months fast approaching,” Mr Scully said.
“Lake Endeavour is another great example of the NSW Government delivering high quality, vibrant, public and accessible open spaces with lasting community benefits.”
The Lake Endeavour Activation Project includes:
• A 90-metre floating pontoon
• A sandy foreshore
• CCTV cameras for enhanced safety
• Dual toilets
• Seating and shelters
• A designated swimming area
• Telecommunications infrastructure
• A concrete path and carpark
• Exclusion bollards and gates for safety
Cr Bill Jayet emphasised the project’s focus on sustainability and accessibility, ensuring all elements were designed with environmental care and inclusivity in mind.
“Council carefully planned every aspect of this project to ensure it blends seamlessly with the natural environment while providing access for everyone, regardless of ability,” Cr Jayet said.
“The new infrastructure will encourage active living and offer a beautiful space for families to enjoy, all while protecting the environmental integrity of Lake Endeavour,” he added.
The official opening ceremony took place on Friday, November 1, 2024.
Places to Swim is a NSW Government program which seeks to better connect people to water.
The program targets places most in need, so that more people can get in, on and around the water.
Together with the NSW Government, Parkes Shire Council is delivering essential community infrastructure to increase public access to water for recreational use.
For more information about the NSW Government’s Places to Swim program, visit: Places to Swim Program.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government's Places to Swim grant program as part of the Open Spaces Program.