New playgrounds open as City of Newcastle delivers multimillion-dollar investment into recreation

City of Newcastle (CN) has delivered a school holiday boost for children across Newcastle, with four new or upgraded playgrounds now open as part of the annual playground replacement program.

The community helped officially open a new play space at Adamstown Park today, which was relocated and expanded as part of CN’s $600,000 investment into the four playground projects.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz join excited locals to officially open the new Adamstown Park playground.Popular recreational areas at Rawson Park in Stockton and Waratah’s Coolamin Reserve also received new equipment, while Islington Park’s playground was upgraded with new rubber softfall and a fresh coat of colour.

Additionally, work is progressing at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park where a significant new $3 million playspace is being delivered as part of the park’s Masterplan, with the project expected to be completed in October.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN is committed to delivering enriched neighbourhoods with spaces that bring people together for active living and social connection.

“We know how much our community values open spaces and their local playgrounds, which is why it is vital we continue to deliver our playground replacement program and other recreation projects to ensure everyone has the opportunity to access quality facilities now and into the future,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As part of our commitment to undertake a staged implementation of the newly adopted Adamstown Park Masterplan, the Adamstown playground was relocated, upgraded and expanded, activating the green space."

Councillor Carol Duncan, who is also the Chair of the Community and Culture Advisory Committee, said it's not just children who'll benefit from the new playground.

“We’re catering for the recreation needs of teenagers and adults who visit this area of Adamstown Park, with a new basketball court expected to be completed in the coming weeks,” Cr Duncan said.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said this is another example of CN providing facilities that are safe, engaging and support the community’s wellbeing.

"New accessible pathways have been created to link the Adamstown playground with Glebe Road, while a sheltered picnic table offers visitors and locals seating and shade," Cr Winney-Baartz said.

CN has invested more than $10 million into projects over the past five years as part of its commitment to delivering enhanced and accessible recreational opportunities for the community, with more than 116 playgrounds located across the local government area.