A new inclusive playground catering for all ages will be officially opened today in Coombs.

Ruth Park Playground features a bird’s nest tower, pod structures, swings and slides, a BBQ and picnic area, shade structures, and landscaping.

Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, said she was excited to open the playground for the Molonglo Valley community.

“The modern equipment and facilities truly cater for all ages, and have captured the community’s imagination,” Ms Berry said.

Rosina Ruth Lucia Park AM, after whom the playground is named, was recognised for her service to literature, and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987.

Her famous children’s book, The Muddle-headed Wombat, has been commemorated in the playground with a wombat sculpture.

Following extensive community engagement and input in late 2019, construction for the park started in mid-2021. After 18 months of careful architectural and design planning, the playground is now the centre point for Coombs families and children.

The $7.1 million playground’s design is consistent with the Coombs and North Coombs Estate Development Plans and the Coombs Landscape Strategy. It is next to Holdens Creek Pond on Edgeworth Parade.