Playground program breathes new life into the city's recreational spaces

Young people will soon be swinging, sliding and climbing around five local playgrounds as City of Newcastle (CN) embarks on a $750,000 replacement program in 2023.

The program is set to include a makeover of Beresfield’s Vera Wilson Park, Loch Ness Drive Park in Fletcher, Harold Myers Park in Birmingham Gardens, Avon Street Reserve in Mayfield, and Waratah Park.

Upgraded equipment will cater for a range of ages, with swings, challenging climbing components, slides and multi-play units – as well as a new stairway at Fletcher and a mini trampoline at Waratah – among the new play attractions.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said 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 local government area.

“We know how much our community values open spaces and playgrounds, which is why City of Newcastle is investing $750,000 to upgrade five local playgrounds this year,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The city’s playgrounds provide children and families with the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and engage in an active and healthy lifestyle."

City of Newcastle has invested more than $9.5 million in playground projects during the past five years, including the construction of an inclusive playground at Stevenson Park in Mayfield, Stockton Active Hub, and the adventure playground at Richley Reserve.

The Wallsend community 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 City of Newcastle into four District-level playgrounds across the area during the past five years.

In addition to these planned playground renewals, CN will be constructing a new inclusive playspace and waterpark for the Harbour Foreshore Precinct in Newcastle’s East End as part of the implementation of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan.

The playspace will 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.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works to stay up to date with progress on playgrounds and other projects in your area.