Summer is just around the corner, and it's the time of year when we all enjoy being out and about in our city.
Director of Infrastructure and Works Joanne Page leads teams that maintain our parks, and beautifies our city with greenery, refreshes public amenities, lays down new footpaths and roads and revamps or builds new playgrounds.
Recently, the team has been working on a range of exciting projects that'll make for a fun summer in Wollongong. A selection of these is captured in our Works Update newsletter that's available on Council's Works and Projects webpage . Here you can also stay in the loop of current works and upcoming projects.
"There has been lots of projects and works completed, and we don't want our residents to miss out on enjoying these outdoor spaces in summer," she said.
"Below is a selection of projects that I think the community will really enjoy.''
1. Sharing the space on new shared paths
Pictured: Reserve Street, West Wollongong
Ms Page highlighted the city's shared paths and how it provides a lovely way to explore a suburb, whether it's on a family bike ride or an early morning walk.
"We're about to complete the shared path at Reserve Street in West Wollongong. Earlier this year, we renewed a section of the cycleway near Beaton Park in Gwynneville, which has been a key link for our community," she said.
Shared paths are for riders who seek an alternative to on-road riding. Remember to use the paths safely and give way to pedestrians.
Want to find a shared path route closer to you? See our Cycling Guide and Map .
2. Swing into more playgrounds play dates
Pictured: Wattle Street Reserve Playground, Windang
"We always enjoy the opportunity to update our much-loved play spaces as it provides so much for our kids, parents and carers, and the broader community," Ms Page said.
"Some of our recent work includes a playground renewal at Stanwell Park that includes the city's first dedicated new nature play space. Meanwhile in Unanderra, the playground near the skatepark got a refresh and was designed with the help of local students . We've also installed a shade sail at Dapto."
Other playground projects included:
- Coreen Avenue Playground in West Wollongong – funded from the NSW Government Community Building Partnership
- Wattle Street Reserve Playground renewal in Windang
- Charcoal Park Playground renewal in Unanderra which includes an upcoming nature play – funded from the NSW Government Local Small Commitment Allocation (LSCA).
To see a snapshot of the 150 playgrounds in our city, visit our Playgrounds webpage.
3. Puppy power in Proud Park Helensburgh
In Helensburgh, Proud Park recently received a new fenced off-leash area as well as new shelters, picnic facilities and a water refill station with a dog bowl.
Ms Page said the upgrade at Proud Park is a great addition to Helensburgh providing a space to connect with local dogs and families.
"It'll be a popular space for our four-legged friends to play with other dogs or learn some tricks," she said.
Proud Park was supported by NSW Government Local Small Commitments Allocation (LSCA) grant program.Figtree Park also received a new off-leash dog area in addition to its current dog park.
4. Supporting State Government works in Kembla Heights
There are some key projects across our Local Government Area that are led by State government agencies but supported by Wollongong City Council.
"One of the current projects is the supporting infrastructure for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services Mountain Bike Trail in Kembla Heights. We've constructed a new pathway and carpark near the Motorcycle Club near Harry Graham Drive," Ms Page said.
The Kembla Heights Motorbike Trail is an ongoing project that you can stay updated on Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project .
5. Slow down and plant yourself in our parks
Pictured: Gymea Glade Park, Helensburgh
At Council, we take great care to prepare our parks for the warmer periods as we know they're popular places for relaxation, parties and enjoying those warm summer days.
"While I don't want to shout out every park you should visit as there's many to choose from, one example of our general landscaping can be seen at Gymea Glades in Helensburgh which included staining the park's bench seats, mulching the trees and minor pruning," Ms Page said.
Wherever you plant yourself this summer, Council will be visible around the city each day maintaining public spaces, so our community can enjoy it.
