The exciting new play space upgrades to Buttenshaw Park, Springwood, are about to take shape with work at the park now underway.
The design of the new youth-focused space, shaped by community consultation, looks to maximise the challenging sloping topography of the park to deliver an exciting, high-energy space with adventure equipment, including:
- a double flying fox and group swing
- a unique, customised youth focused climbing and hang out structure, and
- a climbing/bouldering wall.
During the upgrade works, part of the footpath connecting the park to the eastern side of the Aquatic and Fitness Centre will be closed, as it is within the construction area and will be upgraded as part of this project. Access to the Aquatic and Fitness Centre from the park is still available along the western side of the building.
All areas of the park outside of the construction area will remain open for use while the upgrade work is undertaken.
Blue Mountains Mayor, Councillor Mark Greenhill, said: "The design of the new play space strikes the right balance for Buttenshaw Park. We know that providing safe, inclusive and engaging spaces for our young people is essential for developing positive communities.
"The design also respects the rare character of the park that we all know and love - the importance of wide, open lawns for all types of passive recreation, and the ecological value of nearby Birdwood Gully. This upgrade is about enhancing the park - retaining what we love, while providing new experiences for our youth."
To ensure the majority of the upgrade work at Buttenshaw Park can be delivered on time and within budget, Council will deliver the previously included pump track component of the upgrade in a second stage of park improvements.
Postponing the construction of the pump track is not a decision Council has taken lightly. While we have been preparing to break ground at the park, our region has experienced a perfect storm of recurring, extreme wet weather and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.
This has included labour and material shortages and a corresponding escalation in the project costs.
Extensive community consultation, which included an extra round of feedback in late 2021 on the draft Buttenshaw Park Plan of Management and Masterplan was a rewarding process, but it also lengthened the project timeframe.
"We want to fully deliver on the vision for the park, as expressed in the community endorsed Masterplan, and this is the best way to achieve it in the current climate.
"We're actively seeking grant funding currently, that can help us construct the pump track as quickly as possible.
"Council is committed to creating an inclusive, vibrant and healthy Blue Mountains and that includes addressing the needs of all residents, including young people, and improving quality of life for all."
The current upgrade project is scheduled for completion by March 2023, weather permitting.
For more information about the project and to subscribe to regular project updates, please visit https://yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/buttenshaw-park
This project is funded under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, which is part of the Western Sydney City Deal (WSCD). The WSCD is a 20 year-agreement between Australian and NSW governments, and the eight local Councils of the Western Parkland City.
Photo: Artist's impression of the Buttenshaw Park youth play space.
