The Hon. Gareth Ward MP, Member for Kiama and Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley, Shoalhaven City Council Staff and Berry Rotary Club members turned the first sod to begin construction of the first stage of Boongaree, previously known as Berry District Park.
The development will enhance the sporting and create new passive recreation activities available at the site and reinvigorate the northern edge of the township of Berry, following the completion of the Berry bypass road.
Shoalhaven City Council's Mayor Amanda Findley said, "I am delighted to see the vision for Boongaree becoming a reality. Boongaree promises to be an exciting place for all ages and abilities to be active and involved and to have fun.
"Today's milestone is the culmination of hours, months and years of planning and consultation involving Council, Berry Rotary, other interested residents and the NSW State Government. Four million dollars was granted to Berry Rotary to deliver this stage for the community in conjunction with Shoalhaven City Council by early 2023," she said.
"The first stage of construction will be the Childhood Adventure Zone with items like balance beams, accessible trampolines, carousel, sand and water play, and various imaginative self-play areas. Accessible parking and services along North Street will also be built in this first phase of the development," said Clr Findley.
After stage one is complete, the Youth Zone for older children will begin construction with a flying fox, climbing nets and swings, as well as a climbing wall. This will be followed by the Learn to Ride area and then an extensive exercise equipment trail incorporating senior citizen graded items.
Family picnic and BBQ facilities are also planned, along with an amenities block with lift and change facilities. It is intended that this stage will be open for the Community to use by late 2022.
Later stages of the park will include a Pump Track, new Skate Park, messy Kids Play Zone, Netball Courts, Reconciliation Garden, Western Sporting Fields, Dog Agility Zone and Long Vehicle Parking Area. The final stage will be new cricket fields, drainage, irrigation, and more parking in the Eastern Sporting Fields.
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