The brand new Equinox Drive Reserve, in Box Hill, was officially opened on Thursday, December 16.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne joined the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs and the Federal Member for Mitchell, the Hon. Alex Hawke MP and the State Member for Castle Hill, Ray Williams MP at the new play space to mark the special occasion and to also unveil a plaque.
Mayor Byrne praised the outcome of the Reserve, which received a $276,631 grant under the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's (DPIE) Everyone Can Play program. The program provides funding to help councils construct more inclusive play spaces.
A further $150,000 was also secured for the Reserve's development under the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It's great that Council, with the support of the State and Australian Governments, could deliver this wonderful new facility - and just in time for Christmas," Mayor Byrne said.
"I thank both Alex and Ray for their ongoing advocacy and support of this project.
"I know the rapidly growing Box Hill community has been eager to see the completion of this special place that will serve them well into the future," Mayor Byrne added.
Minister Hawke said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in Mitchell.
"Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community, now and as we build our way out of the pandemic," he added.
While Mr Williams said he was "thrilled to see this new facility come to fruition for the residents of the Box Hill area".
"It's another great example of how Local, State and Federal Governments can work together to achieve great outcomes for our community," Mr Williams added.
The new Reserve features an accessible nature themed playground, park furniture and a basketball shooting circle. It also includes a 2.5 metre shared pathway for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as footpaths that are located throughout the site and connect to the broader Box Hill path network.
For more information, visit The Hills Shire Council website (www.thehills.nsw.gov.au) and search "Equinox Drive Reserve".
