The $5.4 million transformation of Thomas H Halton Park at Croudace Bay is complete, with Lake Macquarie’s biggest playground outside Speers Point Park now open for fun and games.
Descendants of Thomas H Halton – a former Town Clerk instrumental in saving the foreshore tract as a public reserve – cut the ribbon on the new playground on Saturday, marking the end of a 12-month construction project that included a new skate park, fenced dog exercise area, hit-ball wall and half basketball court, exercise equipment, accessible playground and an amenities block.
Standing alongside the family at the weekend’s opening, Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the revamp would make Croudace Bay a destination for people of all ages seeking outdoor fun and fitness.
“This project capitalises on the enormous potential of this lakeside location,” she said.
“The range of accessible facilities for children, teenagers and adults now on offer makes this a genuine day out for people from Lake Mac and beyond.”
The new 10,000sqm fenced playground features a 15m-long pirate ship, with slides, rope tunnels and climbing platforms, as well as a shaded area for younger children, three separate swing sets, and picnic shelters with barbecues.
Lake Macquarie City Council Section Manager Community Assets Brendan Callander said a water-play area with three water pumps and multiple flow paths was designed for children to explore and interact.
“A big part of this playground’s design was the natural feel of it,” he said.
“There are lots of rocks, trees and grassy areas, and places for children of all abilities to have some fun and adventure and test their limits safely.”
Among Thomas H Halton’s descendants in attendance at Saturday’s opening was his granddaughter, Lesa Kearney.
Ms Kearney said her grandfather would have been proud to see the transformation of his namesake park.
“It’s a huge honour really,” she said.
“To have something like this named after him is very special.”
The NSW Government contributed $200,000 to the all-abilities playground through its Everyone Can Play grant program, with Council funding the rest of the park transformation project.
Thomas H Halton Park also features a large foreshore grassed reserve, boat ramp and multiple parking areas.
