Blue Mountains Mayor has welcomed the community response to the opening of the much anticipated new play space at Glenbrook District Park.
The latest addition is an exciting and diverse play area that caters mainly for seven to 12-year-olds and is the second stage in the redevelopment of this park, following construction of the junior playground in 2018.
Blue Mountains Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill said: "A little over three months ago, we commenced construction of this play space and despite the inclement weather, I'm very excited to see the latest development to this well-loved park.
"We talked extensively with the community to ensure we delivered a fun, interactive and modern play space that also features some fantastic inclusive elements for kids living with a disability.
"Along with the existing junior playground, this new area forms an attraction that families and kids of all ages will love returning to.
"I've been overwhelmed by the community response, since work finished and the barriers were taken down last week."
The new play space has been funded by the Western Parkland City Liveability Program that includes funding from Council, which is part of the Western Sydney City Deal (WSCD). The WSCD is a 20-year agreement between the Australian and NSW governments, and the eight local Councils of the Western Parkland City.
A continuous fence now wraps around both the junior play area and the new equipment. The main entrance is from the village side and there is an entry and exit to the existing toilets and Visitor Information Centre on the other side.
The play space upgrade includes:
- A 5.4-metre climbing rope tower with tunnel slide
- A 20-metre double flying fox with two seats including one for smaller children or
- those needing support
- Five additional swings including a multi person nest swing for those who need
- back support
- Two trampolines, large enough for a wheelchair
- Monkey bars
- Timber balance trail
- Extra shading and soft fall rubber
- A range of sensory and imagination stimulating components
- Accessible pathways
- Refurbished picnic tables and shelters
- New seating and tree plantings
- Recycled elements that continue the transport theme of the junior play area.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the latest addition is an exciting and diverse play area. "Inclusive elements such as the flying fox, trampoline, a gong, a nest swing and quiet areas for children with a disability and their carers will ensure they can enjoy the play area as well," Minister Fletcher said.
"The new $1.07 million play space has been funded under the Western Sydney City Deal and is a great example of how we are getting on with the job to provide vital community infrastructure and public spaces that will enhance liveability and drive a brighter future for the region."
New South Wales Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, the Hon Stuart Ayres MP, said this is a key park for the Blue Mountains community and visitors from Greater Sydney.
"Local tourism is essential for many businesses in the Blue Mountains and after the challenges of the last 12 months, the upgrade of this busy park will benefit families and tourists," Minister Ayres said.
Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, who joined Mayor Greenhill to mark the start of construction works in November last year, welcomed the opening of the Park.
"I am delighted to see this important project through to completion, and to know that local families will be able to enjoy play equipment which meets their needs. It's a great outcome," Senator Payne said.
The official opening of the play space was to be held on Friday 19 March, but has been postponed to April.
Blue Mountains City Council has four district parks: Glenbrook Park, Buttenshaw Park at Springwood, Wentworth Falls Lake Park and Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park, with each one receiving funding from the Liveability program for upgrades.
To follow the progress of the other district parks, go to bmcc.nsw.gov.au/liveabilityprogram.
Photo: The new play space at Glenbrook District Park.
