Five of our city's playgrounds have received a major refresh, with two more due to reopen in the coming weeks!
Renewal works are currently underway at Norm O'Brien Park Playground in Helensburgh and Otford Playground in Otford, which are expected to welcome families back by the end of August.
This will wrap up Council's Playground Renewal Program for the last 12 months, which included the recent renewals of much-loved play spaces at Bellambi, Horsley, West Wollongong and Coledale.
These playgrounds received new play facilities, replacing ageing equipment and improving accessibility. Some locations also included supporting infrastructure like picnic settings and connecting footpaths.
Council is committed to offering varied play spaces across Wollongong, like our suburban playgrounds, that our community can enjoy and connect outdoors.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said revitalising existing play spaces ensures they continue to be safe and exciting areas for kids to stay active and connected.
"Outdoor play areas are important for kids' development, and we're proud there are 156 playgrounds across Wollongong for our community to choose from," Cr Brown said.
"The recent renewals have the classic equipment you'd expect. Across the 7 locations, there's 10 slides, 16 swings and 5 rockers. But there are also some newer additions popping up that are promoting play in creative ways."
We listened to feedback from local Otford residents about their only swing, and the Otford Playground upgrade was supported by $50,000 in grant funding from Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart.
"Great news for local families — with the construction on the upgrade to the Otford playground on Otford Road, thanks to Wollongong City Council and a $50,000 grant from the Minns Labor Government's 2025 Community Building Partnerships program, families will be able to maximise this site,'' Ms Stuart said.
"The project will deliver new play equipment, improved infrastructure and enhancements to support health, wellbeing, and physical activity.
"I am keen to trial out the new playground equipment reopening soon."
Cr Brown hopes our youngest adventurers and their families have plenty of fun exploring the new playground equipment, with more fantastic playground upgrades planned for the next 12 months.
"Beyond our renewal program, we're excited by what lies ahead for the future of play in Wollongong, with Council finalising a new play space strategy," she said.
"It will ensure that Council continues to deliver quality, inclusive and engaging play opportunities for future generations – aka lots more laughs, games and playdates!"
Council is currently developing a 20-year Playspace Strategy to guide the future investment of play and recreation across our city. This roadmap aims to meet the needs of our growing and changing community, now and into the future. Valuable feedback from residents is also being considered in the development of the draft Strategy.
The following playgrounds were renewed as scheduled in Council's Infrastructure Delivery Program (IDP):
- Kirton Road Playground, Bellambi
- Karrara Park Playground, Horsley
- Molloy Park Playground, West Wollongong
- Norm O'Brien Park Playground, Helensburgh (reopening soon)
- Ossie Connors Park Playground, Coledale
- Otford Playground, Otford (reopening soon)
- Sunray Crescent Playground, Horsley
Check out our Playgrounds webpage for details about all our playgrounds.
