Smiths Lake Recreation Reserve — Community Recreation Precinct
News Update — May 2026
The latest funding news for Smiths Lake — our grant application for $1,000,000 toward the Recreation Reserve Masterplan has been submitted to the NSW Government's Active Regional Communities Package. We expect to hear the outcome in July 2026.
A huge thank you to MidCoast Council for their letter of endorsement and commitment of $100,000 in direct financial support for the project — a genuine vote of confidence in what our community has been working toward.
The grant application proposed a total of $124,410 in community contributions consisting of cash funds, direct works, and services, including $24,410 already contributed by the Smiths Lake community to get the project to this point. Together with the Council commitment and the grant request, the total expected project budget sits at around $1.24 million.
We are grateful to MidCoast Council, our community volunteers, and everyone who has supported this project — and we look forward to sharing the outcome with you in July.
We are genuinely grateful to everyone who has contributed — through submissions, volunteer hours, donations, park maintenance, and encouragement. Watch this space in July.
What the funding is for
An upgrade plan to create a community recreation precinct at Smiths Lake Recreation Reserve, transforming vacant open space into a welcoming gathering place for events and recreation for families, children, and visitors.
Building on existing facilities, the precinct will introduce:
- A pump track extending the existing skate bowl
- Resurfaced multi-sport courts with new line markings
- A lit and powered community event space / village green
- An art sculpture garden area celebrating local artists
- A fenced off-leash dog area (FOLA)
- Landscaping and retention fencing throughout
The goal is a flexible, nature-inspired space where people of all ages and abilities can play, connect, and belong.
The goal is a flexible, nature-inspired space where people of all ages and abilities can play, connect, and belong.