Birthday parties at Lions Park in Parkes are about to get a lot more exciting with new play equipment including flying foxes, climbing towers, trampolines and a carousel that will turn this popular spot into a play paradise for all, both young and old.
This project has been jointly funded by the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and Parkes Shire Council and is the first of the of several Destination Parks planned for the Parkes Shire.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Ken Keith OAM spoke highly of the planned upgrades to the park. "The scope of this project includes a new collection of play equipment, as well as brand new shelters and barbeques, set to give this popular park a much-needed upgrade. The big changes have a lot of community support and are sure to make the venue an even more popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
"Children will be able to develop a range of skills playing on the new equipment, as they get wings on the 25m double sky-rider (flying fox), scramble up the multi-play Sky Tower, or scale the quartz rock climbing block.
"There will also be a swing set with an inclusive seat, a 2.3m carousel that can accommodate a wheelchair, three trampolines placed in the ground, a balance trail and a junior multi-play unit," he added.
All the equipment will be placed on soft fall to enhance the physical experience of the park and encourage independent play. A winding bike path around the equipment will encourage children of all abilities to engage in wheel-based play.
Councillor Jacob Cass said, "the wait for this exciting addition to our town's recreational facilities is not going to be long, as the project is now shovel-ready."
"The first preparatory steps have already begun, with two dangerous trees removed to improve community safety and to make way for the remainder of the works," he added.
The project has now kicked off with the park currently closed for the removal of all the current equipment, shelters and barbeques to make way for the installation of the brand-new look for Lions Park with completion expected by July 2023.
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said infrastructure projects such as the Lions Park in Parkes was precisely why the LRCI Program was created.
"Upgrading Lions Park is all about bringing the local community together, whether it be a child's birthday party or a place for community groups to gather," Mr McCormack said.
"I established The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program so councils could complete infrastructure projects they identified as important to the local community and this wonderful project is testament to that vision."
