The proposed Curtis Park Playground Expansion will be adapted and constructed based on feedback and suggestions from the community – in particular the children and families who will benefit the most.
At its Ordinary Council Meeting on 23 October 2024, Council accepted amendments to the concept plans for Curtis Park Playground Expansion based on community feedback received. Council also endorsed a contribution to the value of $600,000 from reserves – boosting the budget for the playground expansion and enabling stage two to proceed ahead of schedule.
"This is great news for our community," said Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland.
"I'm excited that we will have a wonderful new community space, but also thrilled that the space is being created based on considerable input from the people who will use it most!
"Importantly, this decision demonstrates the value of community engagement – that Council is part of our community, listens, and can adapt."
The Draft Curtis Park Playground Expansion Concept report was placed on public exhibition in August and promoted. The whole community was invited to review a concept plan for a proposed expansion to the popular playground.
Council's project and engagement staff met with community members, including at a 'pop-up' community engagement opportunity in Curtis Park during the fortnightly Farmers' Markets. Information was sent directly to schools and preschools to ensure the chance to contribute to its design reached as many potential playground users as possible.
Funding from a Local Roads Community Infrastructure grant ($701,353) would fund this stage one of the expansion works, and additional ideas contributed by the community would be filed for development when additional funding became available.
"However, the overwhelming response from our community encouraged us to do what we could to deliver a completed facility as soon as possible," Mayor Coupland said.
"Utilising a contribution from reserves, stage two of the expansion will be delivered alongside stage one."
Council received opinions from across the community, including 13 letters from 52 children at Armidale City Public School.
Mayor Coupland expressed his appreciation for the level of insight, and the creative and constructive ideas provided by specialists, as well as community members of all ages.
"The valuable input of children, alongside other feedback from across the community, has informed next steps for the project and will help shape one of our community's precious public spaces."
The extension to the playground will reflect a 'Nature Play' theme, with natural elements and landscaping tying the area to the Creeklands. New play equipment has been selected for collaborative play based on the requests of local children and others in the community, and will include a WE GO accessibility swing, 4.5m mammoth net swing, natural rock yarning circle, natural rock wall with varying levels, and a 'mouse wheel'.
