PRELIMINARY works have begun prior to construction starting immediately after the school holidays for a new and expanded playground at Horseshoe Bay, South West Rocks.
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The playground will remain open over the next two weeks while preliminary drainage and footpath works are carried out. It will then be closed from October 10, with the new playground scheduled to be completed by the end of November, ahead of the peak tourist and holiday season.
The upgrade, being delivered in partnership with the South West Rocks Sport and Recreation Association, gained valuable feedback on a draft playground design and the priorities for equipment through a community survey conducted earlier this year.
Council’s manager technical services, Trevor Dickson, told the Argus the feedback was vital in a project that is being driven by the community.
“This project started when the Sport and Recreation Association came to council wanting to join forces and improve local facilities,” Mr Dickson said.
“Their steering committee and the input from the broader community through the survey, has allowed us to agree a design that fits within the available budget but can also be expanded if the community assists with construction or grant funding becomes available down the track.”
Council said more than 5000 people were aware of the playground survey through council’s Argus articles and social media, with responses received from almost 90 people.
Equipment that ranked highly in the survey and has been included in the final design includes a double flying fox, mammoth nest swing, slides and stepping logs as well as traditional swings.
“We have been able to make sure there is plenty of shade and seating in the playground as well, which were the landscaping priorities identified in the survey,” Mr Dickson said.
The $50,000 water play area and an additional climbing structure will not be included in the initial construction, with opportunities for further community fundraising or grants to be considered at a later date. Council has also made a funding application for support in building a new amenities block in the playground footprint at a later stage.
“Through the survey we’ve already had a number of interested locals and tradespeople volunteer to help with construction and keep costs down,” Mr Dickson said.
“The Sport and Recreation Association will be coordinating this team and are working with local suppliers and builders to get as much included in the initial build as possible.”
For more information on the playground design and to register interest in being a part of the community build go to www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/hbplayground.
