Two new playground upgrades are done and dusted in Newcastle, with another couple of projects in the pipeline.

It’s all part of a $750,000 investment by City of Newcastle (CN) this financial year.

A community celebration marked the official completion of the recreation area and half-court basketball space at Beauford Avenue Reserve in Maryland at the weekend.

Now, it features a variety of equipment designed to spark creativity and encourage physical development in younger children, while also catering for the older kids and teens.

It followed hot on the heels of a similar venture at the Stockton Swimming Centre.

Meanwhile, work is progressing at the Morpeth Road Reserve at Waratah, with construction at Johnson Park playground at Lambton set to begin in the coming months.

CEO Jeremy Bath said CN was committed to enhancing recreational opportunities for the community.

“Through our annual Playground Replacement Program, we’ve been able to upgrade, replace or improve 28 popular parks and leisure areas across the region since 2018, ensuring every suburb has access to safe, modern and inclusive facilities,” he explained.

“This year we’re investing $750,000 into four neighbourhood playground projects, with two already complete and another two on their way.

“It’s part of a broader outlay in outdoor recreation, with our 2025/26 Budget also including $10 million for the Foreshore Park inclusive playspace, Newcastle’s first regional-level playground.

“I can’t wait to see it open and attracting thousands of people to the east end.”

Council has invested more than $14 million into playgrounds across the LGA during the past seven years.

Executive manager community and recreation Lynn Duffy said the Playground Replacement Program played an important role in supporting community wellbeing.

“Playgrounds do more than provide equipment for children,” she added.

“They bring people together, encourage physical activity and support social and emotional development.

“The improvements include accessible pathways, shaded seating and soft-fall surfacing to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all users in Maryland.

“Stockton families are also benefitting from a recently-completed upgrade to the recreation space at the swimming centre, which features upgraded play equipment, family-friendly barbecue facilities, shaded picnic areas and accessible footpaths.”

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