Construction will begin on the upgrade or replacement of five playgrounds across Newcastle in the coming weeks as part of a $4 million investment into enhanced recreation spaces for the community.
This will include the creation of a new inclusive playspace at Hamilton's historic Gregson Park, delivering a significant element of City of Newcastle's (CN) adopted Masterplan for the much-loved precinct.
Work will also begin on the replacement of local playgrounds at Adamstown Park, Rawson Park in Stockton and Waratah's Coolamin Road Reserve as part of CN's annual playground renewal program, while Islington Park playground will have its softfall upgraded.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the projects would deliver enhanced and accessible playspaces for children across the city.
"City of Newcastle is committed to delivering quality playgrounds and green spaces across Newcastle for locals and visitors to enjoy," Cr Nelmes said.
"The improvements to these playgrounds are designed to consider how users of all abilities can enjoy them.
"They'll include more accessible features such as carousels, bridges and pathways, with various pieces of equipment that will be suitable for everyone, including those with limited mobility.
"At Gregson Park construction will take place with minimal disruption to the use of the rest of the park, and weather permitting the new playground will be open to the public by October, while the smaller local playgrounds are expected to be completed by the end of May."
Councillor Carol Duncan, who is also the Chair of the Community and Culture Advisory Committee, said the new playspace at Gregson Park was identified as a high priority action in the Masterplan, which was adopted in 2021.
"This much-loved public asset plays an important role in providing open space and recreation opportunities in Hamilton, as well as respecting the heritage significance of the area," Cr Duncan said.
"The inclusive playspace will have a native garden, nature play, trampolines, a balance obstacle course, sandpit with sand and water play, and importantly Maddie's Bench will be retained.
"The existing toilet facilities at Gregson Park will also be upgraded and expanded and will include disabled access."
The Adamstown Park playground is being relocated, upgraded and expanded as part of City of Newcastle's staged implementation of the newly adopted Adamstown Park Masterplan.
An access path from Glebe Road and sheltered picnic tables next to the playground will be included in the finished project.
Rawson Park playground at Stockton and Coolamin Road Reserve playground at Waratah are both being replaced with a new design that complements the current site, with new additions to cater for younger and older children.
The softfall material at Islington Park playground will be replaced to ensure it's safe for the community to use for years to come.
