Lake Macquarie City Council is set to spend more than $2.8 million on playground upgrades across the city this financial year.
The bumper spend will see five playgrounds – spanning from Arcadia Vale in the city's west to Swansea Heads in the east – upgraded, while a new $1.9 million play-space will be built at Murrays Beach featuring a cubby fort, swings, slide, rope climbers, a basketball court and more.
Over the next couple of months, families can expect to see playground upgrades get underway at Chartley Street, Warners Bay, and Sylvia Grozdanovski Park in Gateshead.
Council is also asking the community to help select the design for an updated play-space at Reids Reserve at Swansea Heads that will be delivered in early 2023.
Lake Macquarie City Council Community Assets Delivery Coordinator Brent Wellham said the projects will help create more vibrant and enjoyable spaces for families to enjoy.
"We maintain more than 120 playgrounds across the city and dedicate funding every year to upgrade them and ensure they continue to meet community demand," Mr Wellham said.
"That funding is supplemented by grant funds and developer contributions.
"For example, the new playground at Murrays Beach has received $200,000 in grant funding through the Federal Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, and $100,000 in funding through the NSW Government's Places to Play program, as well as contributions from the North Wallarah catchment."
Lake Macquarie playgrounds set to be upgraded in 2022-2023 include:
- Arcadia Reserve, Arcadia Vale
- Sylvia Grozdanovski Park, Gateshead
- Chapman Oval, Swansea
- Reids Reserve, Swansea Heads
- Chartley Street, Warners Bay.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said providing spaces for families to meet and play was key to creating a vibrant and liveable Lake Mac.
"Lake Macquarie is a growing city, with more and more families choosing to relocate and take advantage of the fantastic lifestyle and facilities we have on offer," Cr Fraser said.
"Playgrounds are not only spaces where children can have fun and be active, they are important hubs where parents can connect with neighbours and strengthen community ties."
The community is invited to vote on their preferred design for the lakeside playground at Reids Reserve via Council's Facebook page. Voting is open until Tuesday 4 October.
To find a playground near you, check out the playground map at lakemac.com.au.
