Construction underway for new play space at Wentworth Falls Lake

Work is now underway for an exciting and adventurous inclusive play space, set to replace the older playground on the lake foreshore at Wentworth Falls Lake District Park.

Construction commenced this week, after being delayed by three weeks due to rain. The play space is expected to be completed by June.

The renewed play area will include a:

Sky climbing tower with tunnel slide. Double slide coming off an elevated platform which connects to the Sky Climber via rope climbing access. Triple bay swing set with infant seat, 2 x traditional sash swings, small nest swing and inclusive boat seat under a shade sail under a shade sail. Bushwood balance trails and climbing nets. Inclusive colourful carousel. Sensory equipment such as infinity mirror, musical instruments and tactile interactive tunnel. Fully accessible timber decking with seating, under the tree canopy facing out toward the lake. Plus areas for quiet play and downtime.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “Construction fencing has gone up at the site this week.  The footprint of this fencing is larger than the park will be, as it also includes a compound area for Council’s contractors.

“It is great that work is now underway on this exciting new play space for our community in the upper Blue Mountains. This follows the recent opening of the new play area at Glenbrook District Park.”

The community was presented with two options during December and January with over 400 people undertaking the survey. 

“Both options were very well received and we’ve been able to pull the most popular elements from each option to create this play space for the community,” Mayor Greenhill said.

The survey results indicated a strong preference for fencing around the perimeter of the play space and this will be installed as part of the project. The old equipment will be retained until shortly before the opening of the new, to ensure ongoing play opportunities.  Once it is removed, the area will be restored to a picnic lawn.   There will be no change to the pirate ship. 

Council secured $200 000 through the ‘Everyone Can Play’ grant which will top up Council’s contribution of $400 000 to make this place space happen. The Wentworth Falls Lake Park Draft Plan of Management and Draft Masterplan will also go on public exhibition from 12 April.  Meanwhile, the Western Sydney City Deal Livability Program project for the park – including an accessible walkway over the dam wall and new accessible viewing platform – is still in development with further community consultation planned later in the year.

To keep up to date with what’s happening at Wentworth Falls Lake, go to Have Your Say website at: https://yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/wentworthfallslake

Photo: Councillors Chris Van der Kley, Brent Hoare, Mayor Mark Greenhill and Romola Hollywood with Council’s Parks Coordinator Dominic Smith at Wentworth Falls Lake Park.