Inclusive playspaces around Blacktown are swinging into construction

Published on 24 June 2020

Several of Blacktown City’s most loved parks are being transformed with new and inclusive playspaces for all members of the community to enjoy.

Construction has begun on upgrades to Kruse Park, Tregear, Lake Woodcroft Park and William Lawson Park, Prospect. The designs were developed by Council in conjunction with the local communities.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said, “Accessible and inclusive open spaces ensure that people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds can play and enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle.

“Council is committed to providing the best possible recreation facilities for our residents in more than 400 parks and 1000 reserves across the City.”

Lake Woodcroft was one of the first parks to go under the shovel with construction beginning early in June following consultations with local residents.

The current playspace is being moved to a new location within the park and will have a variety of equipment including a trampoline, spinner, swings, springer, flying fox, and a multi-play unit with climbing elements and a slide.

A number of seating options will be included under natural shading from new and existing tress.

Local school students had a big hand in the design of the new playspace in Kruse Park, Tregear.

Council approached Tregear Public School and asked students for their thoughts and ideas on what they would like to see in the playspace.

Those comments plus online consultations with the community helped formulate how best the new playspace could be integrated into the park.

The new playspace will include multiple swings, a multi-play unit with climbing elements, as well as a slide and spinner. The star attraction is a giant tunnel item, one of only a few currently installed in parks around Sydney.

A bench and sandstone blocks will provide seating under natural shade.

William Lawson Park at Prospect, is also being transformed following a successful round of community engagement in November 2019.

The new playspace will have a variety of new equipment including two multi-play units with climbing and sliding elements, junior and senior swings, a rope swing, an inclusive double carousel spinner and a rocker.

“Council has ensured the upgrades support the greening of our public spaces. The new playspaces will see the planting of many new trees among existing trees providing the maximum amount of natural shade.” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The upgrades are being constructed with the assistance of the NSW Government 2019-20, Everyone Can Play Grant Program.