Sustainable Sport NEWS

The NSW Government has recognised one of Australia’s greatest sportsmen - Kurt Fearnley - by naming the upgraded visitor centre at Centennial Park in his honour.

Unveiling the new Fearnley Grounds, the new official name for Centennial Park’s visitor hub, NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman said the visitor hub was identified as one area of Centennial Park that needed to improve its facilities and services.

The Minister advised “work on the new hub started early last year and through a public naming competition, Kurt Fearnley was put forward for his connection with the Park and cycling.

“Many elite athletes have trained and competed here over the years, but it was Kurt’s passion and the inspiration he embodies as a disability advocate for so many Australians that saw his name nominated through the public naming competition.”

Executive Director, Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands, Kim Ellis said Centennial Park is enjoyed and utilised by people of many backgrounds, adding “I have personally watched Kurt train and compete here over the years and I think he is very deserving of this honour.”

Fearnley said it was an absolute honour to have the precinct named after him.

He explained “the Parklands holds a very special place in my heart – it is where I go to train, to think, to cycle and to breathe.

“We are very fortunate to have a space like Centennial Park in the heart of Sydney and I commend the Parklands efforts to ensure the Park’s offerings are sustainable, practical and beneficial for all to experience them.”

Fearnley Grounds now features a new café, The Greenhouse Centennial Park, and permanent home to the Parklands existing bike hire business. In addition, the Parklands upgraded the free public barbeque areas and accessible pathways plus installed a new picnic shelter.

Images: Kurt Fearnley at the new Fearnley Grounds (top) and Fearnly with (from left) NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman (left) and Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands, Executive Director, Kim Ellis (below).

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