New playground opens at Evans Park, Kalaru

MEDIA RELEASE 2021 - A new fenced playground has opened at Evans Park, Kalaru providing a much needed recreational space for the growing number of young families in the area.

30 August 2021

A new fenced playground has opened at Evans Park, Kalaru providing a much-needed recreational space for the growing number of young families in the area.

Bega Valley Shire Council’s Leisure and Recreation Manager, John Grady said the playground was made possible by the dedication of the Evans Park Committee who secured $28,705 through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership fund.

“Russell Hodges and the Evans Park Committee have been campaigning for a local play space for some time and it’s great to see their hard work has paid off,” Mr Grady said.

“With the funding, they’ve been able to install a swing set and rocker, as well concrete paths to make the space accessible for people with limited mobility or parents with prams.

“Council staff helped out by providing advice and some project oversight, and we’ve installed a fence surrounding the play equipment to make it safer for young children.”

President of the Evans Park Committee, Russell Hodges thanked the NSW Government for providing the funding.

“The Evans Park Committee is delighted with the new playground,” Mr Hodges said.

“Our thanks extend to the NSW Government for the Community Building Partnership grant and the very supportive Council staff for their assistance and direction, as well as staff from Andrew Constance’s office for their grant advice.

“In addition, we were fortunate to receive a very generous grant from St Vincent de Paul Society which facilitated completion of a new gazebo with picnic furniture. Council staff again gave excellent support with this project and further improved the car park.”

Member for Bega, Andrew Constance said the project is a perfect example of what the Community Building Partnership grant program is all about—bringing the community together through new infrastructure.

“Whilst we can’t all be together at the moment, the park will be there for families to enjoy for many years to come,” Mr Constance said.

“Congratulations to the committee on their efforts in securing the facilities for families in the growing Kalaru township.”

In making the decision to support the new playground and take on the responsibility for its longer-term upkeep and maintenance, Council made the decision earlier this year to decommission the small playground and amenities at Chaz Izzard Park in Tathra.

“As a Council, we have to balance the provision and upkeep of facilities for the community in the context of our overall budget and expenses,” Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said.

“In this case, we agreed to decommission a small playground and amenities in Tathra, at Chaz Izzard Park. This means we’ll remove the existing play equipment and return the park to a green, open community space.

“Children and families in Tathra will still have five playgrounds they can use and enjoy, including the relatively new inclusive play space near the beach and the upgraded ‘shipwreck’ playground at Lions Park in Mogareeka, and it’s great to see that children in Kalaru have their own small playground as well.”

Removal of the play equipment and returfing at Chaz Izzard Park is expected to be completed by the end of August. The removal of the amenities block will occur in late 2021 or early 2022.

Council reminds the community that playgrounds and public spaces should be used in accordance with current COVID restrictions. More information is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions

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