Hornsby Shire Council, New South Wales, has celebrated the completion of the Waitara Park playground and Orara Park green space with a community play day.
Mayor, Philip Ruddock, said, “The upgrade of the Waitara Park Precinct was much needed and the local and wider community can now enjoy an expanded and improved recreational space. We are truly proud of the results.
“The new inclusive Waitara Park playground looks fantastic and is exciting for kids of different ages and abilities to explore.
The play space, carefully designed by Council with extensive community consultation, received a contribution of $600,000 from Department of Planning and Environment.
The playground provides a range of play equipment, including a seven metre high tower slide, in-ground trampolines, an inclusive carousel, cradle swing and more.
The playground is part of the Waitara Park Precinct redevelopment begun in 2015. It lies adjacent to six tennis courts completed in 2017, which double as a flood detention basin to help mitigate down-stream flooding issues; and the sustainably designed amenities building, opened 2018, which amongst other features, includes a 10,000 litre water harvesting tank, solar panels and generous roof overhangs to provide outdoor shade.
The playground is fully fenced and features shade sails, picnic shelters and barbecues.
Artworks by local artists from Studio Artes decorate the playground, as well as extensive new garden beds and tree planting.
The playground has a strong relationship with the tennis centre, providing a kiosk and outdoor shaded area, allowing parents and carers to relax while remaining close to their children.
“Meanwhile, the expanded Orara Park now completes the green link between Romsey Street and the new Waitara Park playground,” Mayor Ruddock said.
