City of Newcastle’s (CN) $750,000 playground replacement program will breathe new life into the area’s recreational spaces.
Mayfield’s Avon Street Reserve, Beresfield’s Vera Wilson Park, Birmingham Gardens’ Harold Myers Park, Fletcher’s Loch Ness Drive Park and Waratah Park are all scheduled to undergo a makeover in 2023.
The upgraded equipment will cater for a range of ages, via swings, challenging climbing components, slides and multi-play units, as well as a stairway at Fletcher and a mini trampoline at Waratah.
“Up to five of Newcastle’s 134 local playgrounds are replaced each year under a commitment to delivering improved recreational opportunities for families across the LGA,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We know how much our community values open spaces and playgrounds.
“They provide children and families with the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and engage in an active and healthy lifestyle.”
Council has invested more than $9.5 million in playground projects during the past five years, including the construction of an inclusive facility at Stevenson Park in Mayfield, Stockton Active Hub and the adventure play area at Richley Reserve.
Wallsend residents also celebrated the recent completion of the $2 million Wallsend Active Hub.
Its delivery caps off more than $7.7 million worth of investment by CN into four district-level playgrounds across the area.
In addition to these planned renewals, council will oversee a new inclusive play space and waterpark for the Harbour Foreshore Precinct in Newcastle’s East End as part of the implementation of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan.
That is expected to include a junior and toddler space based around themes of the beach, as well as a splash pad with interactive water play, tugboats, Awabakal canoes and water mazes.
There will also be a large swing set based on maritime navigation, flying foxes, and purpose-built shade structures.
For more community stories:
- Vibrant City sponsorship boost for Maitland events, initiatives
- St John Lake Mac Cadet Division receives new defibrillator
- Koppers matches staff donations to keep Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in the air
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
