Consultation is now underway on a draft design for a new inner north playground, the ACT Government announced.
“There was a clear gap in the Inner North for a large district level playground,” Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Transport and City Services, said. “I am pleased to release the draft design for a new destination style playground for the Inner North for consultation ahead of construction starting next year.”
The playground will be located at the green space next to Canberra Technology Park, a location chosen for its open green space and for its proximity to the Phillip Avenue light rail stop, future Garden City Cycle Route, and the established facilities at the Watson shops.
It will also complement the local neighbourhood park being constructed along Aspinall Street as part of the Section 76 development.
“This draft design for a new major playground today has been shaped by earlier community feedback,” Mr Steel said.
Features include play opportunities, recreational elements, gathering and picnicking spaces, and accessible parking and paths.
The draft design includes:
1. A play space including swinging, climbing, agility and group play elements.
2. An open grassed area for informal kickabout and gatherings.
3. Two multi-use courts – one full size and one half-size – for games such as tennis, basketball, handball, and hopscotch.
4. Amenities including shelter, three-phase power, accessible seating, barbecue, drinking fountains, and bins.
5. An accessible toilet/rest room with baby change facilities.
6. Concrete paths, on-street parking spaces, bike parking and two accessible parking spaces.
“The community also told us they wanted the design to reflect the inner north community,” Mr Steel said. “Inspiration has been taken from the nearby Mount Majura Nature Reserve and its native glossy black-cockatoo influencing the colour palette of the playground. We are also retaining the existing trees around the perimeter of the site and planting approximately 90 new trees.”
Feedback can be provided via YourSay Conversations and is open until 25 October.
Mr Steel said the northside playground was part of the government’s “biggest ever program to improve suburban infrastructure across our city”, including upgrades to local shops and group centres, playgrounds, dog parks and other community facilities.
“We’re upgrading playgrounds across Canberra,” Mr Steel said. This month, significant upgrades will begin Aranda and Ngunnawal; Chisholm, Gordon, Lyons, and Kaleen will follow.
The government is building a new community recreation park in Casey and upgrading the Tuggeranong Town Park playground as part of the foreshore improvements.
“Play opportunities are also being delivered for our four-legged furry friends,” Mr Steel said.
New dog parks will be built in Franklin before the end of the year and the Lanyon Valley early next year.
Stay up to date on the suburban infrastructure projects being delivered, including playgrounds and dog parks, at www.cityservices.act.gov.au/bettersuburbs.
