Families across the Camden Haven can now enjoy a vibrant new destination play space, with Port Macquarie Hastings Council officially opening the new Laurieton Play Space at Bruce Porter Reserve in Short Street.
Co-funded via a $302,250 grant through the NSW Government's Local Small Commitments Allocation Program and $255,166 from PMHC, the completed play space provides an inclusive and nature-inspired recreational destination overlooking the Camden Haven River.
Mayor Adam Roberts said the new play space is a fantastic addition to the Camden Haven and reflected the community's vision for the area.
"This is a wonderful community space that has been shaped by local feedback and designed to bring families together to enjoy," Mayor Roberts said.
"The Camden Haven community told us they wanted a play space that celebrates the area's natural beauty while providing fun, inclusive opportunities for children of all ages and abilities.
"The result is a destination play space that encourages outdoor play, connection and active lifestyles, all while complementing the stunning riverside setting at Bruce Porter Reserve."
The play space features a combination climb-and-slide structure, double flying fox with an accessible seat, swings, in-ground trampolines, a pelican rocker, log obstacle course, wobbly rope challenge and a gum leaf cubby, alongside sensory gardens, musical chimes and new landscaping. Visitors can also enjoy new footpaths, a sheltered picnic area, sandstone seating and convenient access to existing parking, public amenities and the Beach-to-Beach Shared Pathway.
A key feature of the space is a playground communication board, the first of its type in the region, which is a form of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) that enables people who are non-speaking or who use alternative communication methods such as gestures and symbols to communicate, interact and participate in play.
Mayor Roberts said the project demonstrated Council's ongoing commitment to delivering quality recreational spaces that support healthy, connected communities.
"Projects like this are about much more than playground equipment. They're about creating places where families can spend time together, children can be active, socialise, develop skills, and visitors can enjoy everything the Camden Haven has to offer," he said.
The project is the culmination of several years of community engagement, beginning with planning for the Laurieton Town Centre Master Plan in 2020 and continuing through the development of Council's Places to Play Plan.
Following community feedback regarding the originally proposed Laurie Street location, Council worked closely with the community to identify Bruce Porter Reserve as the preferred site.
