Corrigans Reserve inclusive playground construction starts this week

Work has started this week at Corrigans Reserve in Batehaven to transform Eurobodalla's largest playground into a place for kids of all abilities.

The playground will be fenced off and closed until early December while the playground is rebuilt with colourful curved pathways to create new play spaces, new landscaping, and exciting new play equipment to complement existing pieces, including the popular flying fox.

A landscape architect designed the playground with lots of input from local children and families, and a community advisory committee has provided Council with advice about accessibility requirements.

Council has already installed new accessible picnic settings and shelters at the reserve in recent months, and Director of Infrastructure Warren Sharpe says these are all part of playground's overall design.

"It's about creating a place where people of all ages and abilities can socialise and enjoy themselves," he said. "Corrigans is already our biggest playground and once we finish it will a regional attraction in its own right."

“This is stage one of the project and the first thing people will notice is stormwater work and the power being relocated underground,” he said. “Once that work is complete, you’ll start to see the playground itself take shape, with our construction and parks and gardens teams working together to build the new space.

“We’re grateful to the Batemans Bay markets people who’ve cooperated with us while the big job of relocating the power is carried out by Essential Energy.

“While we know people will miss the park while it’s closed for a few months, it will be well worth the wait to see it transformed into a bigger and better playground for everyone for use,” Mr Sharpe said.

The inclusive playground is a partnership between Eurobodalla Council and local charity The Bay Push, who have already raised funds for a liberty swing and wheelchair access to the beach from the park.

Council has committed $100,000 for the project and secured $300,000 from the NSW Government's Club Grants program. The Bay Push received $100,000 in funding towards the playground, also from the NSW Government.

Further stages of the project, which will involve even more exciting playground equipment and landscaping works, will be undertaken once further funding can be secured.