Council owns the land, but the work was made possible by grant funding received from NSW Family and Community Services to provide a safe public playground for young children.

There will be a concrete bike track, a slippery slide and 3-seat swing set, outdoor fitness equipment, along with a new picnic table, park benches and an electric barbecue.

We have had the wonderful support of community organisations such as Burrun Dalai Corporation, Australian Red Cross, Macleay Options and Ability Links.

What is especially pleasing has been the positive input from many local residents, community groups and organisations that council has actively engaged with about the project, including nearby mother’s groups and students from the Macleay Vocational College, Clontarf Academy and Girls Academy.

The redevelopment should take several weeks and notices have been distributed to notify nearby residents that entry to the park, including access from Eric Kennedy Street, will be closed during this time.

After the initial construction work, community organisations and volunteers will be involved in the creation of gardens and landscaping, installation of park benches and developing artworks.

It would be fantastic to see as many people as possible participate at that stage in the park’s transformation, so please lend a hand if you can.

Volunteer contributions will be a huge help to ensure the park is ready for local kids and visitors to use over the summer holidays.

 Riverside Park has been a fabulous outdoor family entertainment area since its transformation a couple of years ago, as has Horseshoe Bay Playground.

It is good to see a welcoming, safe and easily accessible park being created in West Kempsey.