|
A newly upgraded, inclusive playground at Recreation Ground at Tweed Heads was officially opened today, providing much-needed play space for young families in the most populated area of the Tweed Shire.
Works on the upgraded park were completed and opened to the public in late December 2023 – just in time for the busy summer holiday season and much to the delight of children and families in the region.
NSW MLC Emily Suvaal representing NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, Tweed MP Geoff Provest and Deputy Mayor of Tweed Shire Meredith Dennis, were on hand today to cut the ribbon and officially open the revitalised public space.
The $1 million upgrade includes:
-
new play equipment for children aged 2 to 12-years-old
-
swings
-
nature play with teepee
-
bouldering wall
-
basketball key
-
built shade structure and umbrellas
-
accessible barbecue
-
picnic setting and seating
-
landscaping and additional tree planting
-
new accessible amenities block
-
an accessible parking space and linking pathways.
The upgrade has been made possible thanks to a $400,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Fund and $200,000 through its Everyone Can Play grant. Council contributed $400,000 towards the project, including funds to build a new amenities block.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said it’s important to support additional growth in areas such as the Tweed Shire by delivering critical infrastructure and high-quality open space to unlock new housing supply.
“The NSW Government is supporting more homes by considering every aspect of building a thriving community. This means open spaces and infrastructure to support friends catching up, families taking their kids to play or people taking their dog for a walk,” Mr Scully said.
“This new playground in Tweed Heads will directly benefit nearly 2,000 households who will have a new open space to come together, play, picnic and relax.”
Attending the event, Ms Emily Suvaal MLC congratulated Council on their commitment to delivering quality green, open and public space while also providing an inclusive playspace that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.
Deputy Mayor of Tweed Shire Meredith Dennis said the upgrade to Recreation Ground was vital, given its proximity to the Tweed Heads CBD.
“The installation of new play equipment and youth recreation facilities is especially important given the projected population growth of Tweed Heads,” Cr Dennis said.
“The play space is an integral component towards achieving the Tweed’s vision to reinvigorate the regional city, provide state-of-the-art play spaces and outdoor space which strengthen community connectivity and provide an elevated user experience.”
The new inclusive park and play space is an outcome of community consultation as part of the Open Space Strategy 2019 – 2029.
Council sought community feedback for the upgrade of Recreation Ground between 2 November and 7 December 2022 to find out how the district park could be improved with more than 100 locals responding. Local youth (12 to 24 years) were also engaged in a co-design workshop to inform the final design.
A fenced off-leash dog area was also proposed for this location however, this would be Stage 2 of the project and is currently unfunded.
“This exciting project is one way Council is providing the community with more opportunities to be active and healthy and even more reasons to love the Tweed,” Cr Dennis said.
For more information visit yoursaytweed.com.au/recreationground. For more information on the NSW Government’s programs, visit Regional Housing Fund and Everyone Can Play.
|