Accessible playground coming to Deerbush Park

The park will be located at the southern tip on the showground site, near Smithfield Road.

Elements being considered include a carousel, ground level trampolines, river bed crossing, water pump, sand digger, picnic tables and bench seating, a climbing net fort and slide, flying fox, sandpit, nest swing and voice tubes.

There could also be an exciting water play space with squirters, fountains, splash buckets and more, perfect for keeping cool during the warmer months.

The various spaces within the playground could be divided by a two-metre wide, double-lane learn to ride track to allow children to pass one another, with easy-to-navigate corners.

The park will be designed to be fun for children of all abilities, with wheelchair accessibility in mind.

The public is invited to have their say on the proposal via an online survey at www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/deerbushpark. The survey will be available from 21 February 2019 until 14 March 2019.

Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said the playground will be proudly inclusive.

“This new playground will be an amazing place for children of all abilities to visit,” Mayor Carbone said.

“Families are important to us. This new playground will make sure all children and families are given the opportunity to enjoy one of the best playgrounds in south western Sydney.

“I am committed to ensuring that Fairfield Showground is accessible to everyone in our City, with spaces where all families can gather to relax, have fun and be healthy.”

The playground is being funded with $275,000 from the NSW Government, $1 million from the Western Sydney City Deal’s Liveability Program, and by Fairfield City Council.

It is anticipated that the playground will be completed later this year.

The redeveloped Deerbush Park is part of a transformation at the showground to create a Regional Multicultural and Sporting Centre of Excellence.

Stage One works are underway, with work on the AFL/cricket/festival oval completed and turf and irrigation now laid for the international size football field. Earthworks for an all-weather synthetic field have also commenced, as has the undercover festivals space.

The festival oval is already in use. The football fields will be available to use later this year.

“It is very exciting to witness the transformation of Fairfield Showground into a place that everyone in Fairfield City can be proud of,” Mayor Carbone said.

“Health, wellbeing, and access to welcoming and active spaces are central to Council’s vision for Fairfield City.”

In addition to the fields, stage one of the redevelopment includes:

• A lighting upgrade for the international size football field and installation of high-standard lighting for all playing fields;

• Open-sided stage with roof for concerts, festivals, field games and outdoor cinema;

• New amenities facility, with restrooms, change rooms and kiosk.

• Exercise equipment, off-leash dog park, relaxation area and small synthetic five-a-side playing field;

• Laser lighting system for sporting/community events oval, under awning lighting, tree uplighting, upgraded entry lighting;

• Upgrade of the old Moorefield Grandstand, and more seating for existing Parklands Grandstand;

• Portable stage, furniture, shade sails, awnings and banner flagpoles.

Future inclusions for the redevelopment include a regional multicultural and indoor sports centre and a new grandstand.