Outgoing Mayor Jo Haylen named record investment in local parks and the introduction of a number of highly successful community focused programs as key achievements in her time at the helm of Marrickville Council.

Her final speech as Mayor, delivered at Tuesday night’s Council meeting, also recognised the co-operation and hard work of her fellow Councillors.

“12 months ago when I assumed this chair I said that I wanted to build on the strengths of Marrickville,” Clr Haylen said.

“I’m proud to say Council has done exactly that. I have worked hard to give our community what it needs to grow and flourish - strong programs and quality services but most importantly quality spaces for families and indeed the whole community to come together."

Clr Haylen said she was particularly proud of the investment in local parks, which had been an election commitment.

“Since September last year Marrickville Council has spent over $5 million on parks capital works improvements.

“If you include all of the projects underway like Camperdown, Marrickville and Camdenville Parks there's an additional $10.89 million dollars’ worth of works that I am very proud will be delivered,” Clr Haylen said.

“I’ve opened pocket parks a plenty all across our LGA. Particularly in the north where families have small or indeed no existent backyards making these spaces all the more important.”

“We finished the long awaited lighting in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Camperdown Oval upgrade is nearly complete and the new street skate area and courts at Jack Shanahan Reserve is in constant use,” Clr Haylen said.

"It was also a very special summer day when I opened Petersham pool - a fantastic community facility. And I was so pleased to turn the first sod on the new SES building in Sydenham which will be finished this year."

Clr Haylen also spoke of a number of community focused programs she had introduced like the Street Parties Program and ‘Perfect Match’.

“I love that Marrickville embraced my Prefect Match mural Program and that street art and live music are thriving here.”

“I will continue to work to see creative industries prosper – my vision for the Sydenham Arts and Industries precinct is a big part of that.”

Clr Haylen said that while Marrickville Council would face challenges over the next few years, in particular the Baird Government's agenda of forced amalgamations, it needed to continue to always put the community first.

“Marrickville Council must continue to work together and deliver for those who need it most,” Clr Haylen said.