Released 10/07/2020
New and better playspaces are being rolled out across the ACT with the Kambah nature play opening in time for the school holidays, refresh works completed on 50 playgrounds, and five new play spaces set to start construction.
“Quality play opportunities are really important for children’s development, particularly their physical health and wellbeing. With the easing of restrictions and the reopening of playgrounds, families are now able to visit one of the many refreshed or new play spaces across the ACT," said Minister for City Services Chris Steel.
Construction will commence next week on five new playspaces, starting with the new play space near Waramanga Shops. Works on the new playgrounds at Torrens Shops, Tester Park in Higgins, Narrabundah Shops, and Richardson Shops will follow in a staged construction rollout. Construction on these new play spaces follows play space reviews in these suburbs with preliminary sketch plans developed for a feature play space based on the community engagement process. These designs have now been finalised and today are released for each suburb.
“The play space at Waramanga will feature log steppers, tree balance beams and large play equipment with climbing play and a slide. There will be elements for swinging, climbing and exploring, with shaded seating and a teenage hang-out area,” said Minister Steel.
“Other elements featured across the new play spaces include a climbing net, log steppers and basketball court at Torrens, a dirt bike track, accessible spinner and picnic shelter at Higgins, a nature play circuit, climbing slope and birds nest swing at Narrabundah, and skate ledges and ramps, a nest swing and spinner at Richardson."
Work started in May on two new nature play spaces in Kambah and Gungahlin. The recently completed Eddison Park and Farrer nature play spaces were last month commended in the 2020 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects ACT landscape architecture awards.
“Construction of the nature play space is now complete at Kambah Adventure Playground, showcasing elements for climbing, balancing, sand play and a planted tunnel. Logs for this new space have been recycled from local infrastructure projects to create log steppers and other wooden play features," Minister Steel said.
“In Gungahlin, construction at Yerrabi Pond District Park is well underway with completion expected later this month. To complement the new play space, local Aboriginal artist, Matilda House with assistance from Kirrily Jordan and Annick Thompson have been busy painting a colourful mural on the toilet block wall which tells a story about the wildlife found in the nearby waterways.
“We have also now completed the play space upgrade program with 20 existing playgrounds across the ACT receiving upgrades including new seating, shade sails and play equipment, as well as paint and repair of existing play equipment. We have also refreshed an additional 30 playgrounds as part of the ACT Government stimulus program, with refresh works at three more play spaces to be completed in the coming months.
“The ACT Government is committed to supporting local business and keeping people in work during this difficult time. These projects have continued to support the construction industry while ensuring our youngest Canberrans have a range of play opportunities across Canberra,” Minister Steel said.
For a full list of locations and further information visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au
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Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases