Surry Hills kids design their own playground
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Young children in Surry Hills have a new place to climb, swing and slide with the well-loved playground at Shannon Reserve on Crown Street open again following an upgrade.
Incorporating feedback from local primary school students, community members and a playground consultant, the reimagined City of Sydney space encourages children to be more active and interact with nature.
Designed for children aged six months to eight years, the playground is home to a new play structure, swingset and nature play area.
New equipment includes:
climbing platforms with ropes, ladders, steps and slides a ‘wobbly’ bridge, net and poles a cubby house and speaking tubes three swings a small nature play area with timber ramp and stepping stones for balancing and climbing.“This reserve is home to the popular Surry Hills markets and a real social hub for the community, so we’re delighted to improve the space for people who live nearby and for visitors to the area,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“Local students helped us come up with creative new ideas for the playground. They told us they like lots of different experiences on the play equipment and the chance to engage with nature, animals, friends and family.
“Through the pandemic, as families found themselves locked down and spending more time at home, our playgrounds have been a real solace. I know the period of time we had to keep our playgrounds closed was really tough for some of our youngest residents, so we’re excited to open this brilliant new space for them to enjoy.”
New seats, a water station and a low fence around the play space have been installed. Paths along the edge of the reserve make the most of the open green lawns.
The playground also features more shade and a new accessible entry point from Crown Street. The play areas contain inclusive elements so children of all abilities can enjoy the reserve.
The space complements other local play areas for young children to teenagers, including Ward Park, Arthur Street Park, Moore Park West and the new Wimbo Park.
Visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au to provide feedback on other planned upgrades to parks and playgrounds in the area.
For media enquiries or images, contact Senior Media Advisors Angela Salt (0455 958 503) or Roxanne Macara (0438 554 640) or email [email protected]
24-hour City of Sydney Media Team contact details Phone 02 9246 7292 or email [email protected]
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore contact Jack Begbie. Phone 0481 759 580 or email [email protected]