One of Newcastle's youngest residents will become the king, or queen, of the castle by permanently naming the cubby house being built as part of the Foreshore Park playspace.
City of Newcastle is inviting children under 12 years to colour in a picture of the "nuts and bolts" tower structure and suggest a name for the cubby house, which will be located underneath the elevated boardwalk.
The competition was officially launched today at a community event celebrating the opening of Foreshore Park's new accessible amenities building and kiosk.
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Councillor Declan Clausen and Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe attend the community event to celebrate the opening of Foreshore Park's new accessible amenities building and kiosk.Asset Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle was continuing to involve the community in the development and delivery of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan.
"Since 2020, we've been engaging with the community to seek their feedback, collaborate on the design and develop a shared vision for our premier city park and major events space," Cr Clausen said.
"We've now delivered the first project under the Masterplan, with the accessible amenities and Sunnyboy Park kiosk open for the community to enjoy.
"Excitement is growing as work progresses on the construction of our flagship Foreshore Park inclusive playspace and waterplay area.
"The cubby house naming competition is a wonderful way to involve our youngest residents in this project and build anticipation for when they can explore the city's largest playground for themselves."
The Foreshore Park projects are supported by funding from the NSW Government's Everyone Can Play program, Variety the Children's Charity, the Touched by Olivia Foundation and the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley welcomed the opening of the amenities and said she was looking forward to the completion of the playspace project.
"Foreshore Park is one of Newcastle's most loved community spaces, and it's fantastic to see new accessible facilities now open for families to enjoy," Ms Catley said.
"Projects like this are all about making sure every child and every family feels welcome, included and able to enjoy our beautiful foreshore.
"Local kids are being invited to help name the cubby house, giving our younger generation a real sense of ownership and pride in their park.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the inclusive playspace completed later this year so even more families can come together to play, connect and enjoy everything this special place has to offer."
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the projects would ensure Foreshore Park can be enjoyed by even more members of the community.
"Foreshore Park is a fantastic community space both for major events and for everyday enjoyment," Mr Crakanthorp said.
"These new amenities will provide high-quality, accessible public infrastructure for all Novocastrians to use.
"This colouring and naming competition is such a unique opportunity for the children of Newcastle to get creative and leave a lasting mark on this city that they call home.
"It is also great to see the new kiosk fall into the hands of local operators."
City of Newcastle Interim Executive Director of City Infrastructure Rob Dudgeon said construction of the playspace and waterplay area remains on track for completion late this year.
"While work to date has involved mostly in-ground activities to prepare the site including irrigation, stormwater and services, construction activities are starting to ramp up with major concrete pours currently in progress for the waterplay areas, along with construction of the footings for the elevated play structure ahead of its installation," Mr Dudgeon said.
"The placement of sandstone seating and retaining walls has commenced across the site, while work is expected to get underway soon on the network of footpaths and associated pathway lighting.
"Work is also progressing offsite on the bespoke major play elements linked to the city's industrial, maritime and Indigenous heritage, including the 'nuts and bolts' towers, whale-themed swing set and tugboats, which are currently being fabricated.
"We're excited to continue sharing updates with the community as this project takes shape throughout the year."
Visit the project page for the latest information on Foreshore Park, or the cubby house competition page to find about more details and access the colouring-in sheet.
