Lake Macquarie City Council is staging an upgrade spree for several community parks across the region, starting with a “complete transformation” of the playground at Keith Barry Oval in Toronto.
The Toronto playground now boasts climbing structures, netting, a fire pole, a seesaw, a spinner, and a creative play ‘shopfront,’ as well as more benches and a concrete perimeter path nearby.
There’s more planned through this financial year, too, with Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz confirming similar upgrades will be coming to parks at Marmong Point, Morisset, and New Lambton Heights.
Beyond those parks on the upgrade list, Lake Mac council also recently wrapped up community consultation on expansions at the Wyee Community Hall Reserve. Upgrades there will turn the area into a “district-level” park with a playground, recreation facilities, and picnic spaces.
The design, which will include a flying fox, obstacles, climbing elements, and a teen-aimed social space, will be designed later this year.
Cr Shultz also flagged that the council is looking into replacing the skate park at Wilkinson Park and wants to speak with Cardiff community members. “We want to understand how people use the space now, and how they might like to use it in the future,” he said.
Charlestown Lions Park is another under council’s eye right now, with proposed expansions there including a multipurpose court and hit-wall, a new playground, public amenities, and parking.
Those upgrades are expected to be wrapped up by mid-2028.
“We’ve built an enviable reputation in Lake Macquarie for creating playgrounds and public spaces that are more than just swings and slides. They’re destinations where families can connect, and children can explore and play,” Cr Shultz said at the Keith Barry unveiling.
“Recognition such as Rathmines Youth Hub being named Australia’s best play-space last year shows what’s possible when we invest in great design and make the most of our incredible open spaces.
“Our community surveys consistently show the maintenance and improvement of these spaces rank among the highest priorities for Lake Macquarie residents, and projects like the Keith Barry Oval playground are a direct response to that feedback.”
The NSW Government contributed up to $150,000 to the Keith Barry upgrade through its Local Small Communities Allocation Program.
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