Connell Park

Location:

1149 Waterfall Way, Bellingen

About the Park:

Connell Park is Bellingen Shire’s primary sporting and recreation facility, providing spaces and facilities for local sporting clubs, families, visitors and the wider community.

The park is also home to the Cemetery Creek corridor, an important natural area that contributes to the character and environmental value of the precinct.

Following a major redevelopment completed in 2026, Connell Park now features upgraded sporting facilities, improved accessibility, new amenities and better connections throughout the precinct. The improvements provide more opportunities for sport and recreation and create a welcoming and inclusive space for the community to enjoy.

Park Highlights:

Sporting facilities

Three new netball courts with competition-level lighting
A new turf cricket wicket and improved playing fields
Smart field lighting to support greater use of the sporting facilities
Two new multi-sport amenity buildings for sporting and swim centre users

Accessibility and amenities

Accessible toilets and showers for sporting and swim centre users
New public toilets near the swim centre and playground
A Changing Places facility within the swim centre amenity building

Paths and connections

New shared paths and bridges providing improved access throughout the precinct
Landscaped areas and new fencing to enhance the park and protect playing fields

Cemetery Creek

Cemetery Creek runs through Connell Park, providing an important natural corridor within the sporting and recreation precinct. The creek and surrounding vegetation contribute to the environmental character of the park and provide a connection between the built sporting facilities and the natural environment. The Cemetery Creek corridor is cared for by dedicated volunteers from Bellingen Urban Landcare, who undertake ongoing work to help maintain and enhance this important area.

Changing Places facility

A key feature of the upgraded precinct is the Changing Places facility, located within the swim centre amenity building.

Changing Places facilities provide larger, fully accessible spaces for people with high support needs who may be unable to use standard accessible toilets. The facility includes specialised equipment to support users and their carers, including a height-adjustable adult change table, ceiling hoist and accessible shower.

The facility helps make Connell Park a more inclusive and accessible place, supporting more people to participate in sport, recreation and community activities.

Sport and Recreation

Connell Park is a hub for local sport and recreation, supporting a range of community clubs and activities for people of all ages and abilities.

Local sporting clubs

Bellingen Football Club
Bellingen Netball
Bellingen Cricket Club
Bellingen Junior Rugby League
Bellingen Archers

Bellingen Swim Centre

Located within the Connell Park precinct, the Bellingen Swim Centre is an important community facility offering opportunities for swimming, recreation, fitness and learn-to-swim activities.

Together, Connell Park and the Bellingen Swim Centre provide an important destination for sport, recreation and community connection.

Management:

Connell Park is managed by a Section 355 Committee of local volunteers who work with Council to ensure the grounds and facilities remain safe, welcoming, and accessible. Fees and charges collected from sporting groups and users are reinvested into maintaining and improving the reserve for the benefit of the community.

Bookings & Enquiries

For Park bookings, to enquire about using the park or to find out how to get involved with the committee, please contact them directly using the details provided on this page.

For more information about the 2025 redevelopment project:

https://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Services/Infrastructure-Projects/Connell-Park-Precinct-Development