The Mayfield and New Lambton communities welcomed two upgraded playgrounds at the weekend.
The enhancements were part of City of Newcastle’s $1.4 million investment in recreational facilities across the city in 2020/21.
“Our local parks and playgrounds are places that our community can come together to relax and interact,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“I’m delighted that these two upgraded playgrounds at Dangar Park and Novocastrian Park are ready for play.
“The turnout at our community openings demonstrate the importance that public spaces play within local neighbourhoods.
“The city’s vast array of playgrounds provides local children and families the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and engage in an active and healthy lifestyle.
“This year we have invested $1.4 million on projects including upgrades to the popular King Edward Park playground and Tighes Hill’s Gross Street Reserve playground, which are both due to be completed by the end of June.
“We also delivered a new $1.2 million inclusive playground complete with seating, shelter and barbecue facilities in Mayfield’s Stevenson Park in November 2020.
“Our 2021/22 budget includes a $9.1 million investment in parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities including projects like the Wallsend Active Hub and Newcastle Ocean Baths.”
As part of the upgrade, the former Novocastrian Park playground was replaced with new features catering to a range of age groups including a rope climber, swings and a slide.
The newly-upgraded Dangar Park playground was expanded to include a climbing frame and rocker and a larger swing set to replace the former set, which was damaged during storms in 2020.
These improvements will also cater to a broader age range of children.
Fletcher’s Kurraka Reserve is set to benefit from additional fitness stations which will be installed in the coming months and planning for a new active hub in Wallsend has also started.
Newcastle has 116 playgrounds across the Local Government Area and boasts an ongoing program of upgrading and renewing any aging facilities.
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