Each year a selection of playgrounds are included in Council’s annual Playground Replacement Program. Playgrounds are selected and identified from an annual playground safety audit report, informed by regular safety inspections of all playgrounds across City of Parramatta. A condition rating is calculated for each playground, which determines its priority within the Replacement Program. You can find further details on which playgrounds are due for an upgrade here https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/recreation/our-parks/park-upgrades
Hughes Avenue Reserve playground is a local playground featuring playing equipment that caters to children aged 0 - 12 years old.
Currently, the playground features:
- Double playing tower with slides, steps, bridges, climbing frame, climbing structure
- Double swing with toddler seat and strap seat
- Double seesaw and single spring-toy
- Dinky track
- Old style bubbler
- Koppers log park fence
- Two benches
- Bin
- Garden bed
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• New playground equipment
• New rubber softfall surfacing
• Updated seating with back rests and arm rests
• New bins enclosure
• New bubbler closer to playground
• Lighting
• Play equipment typically designed for older age groups (i.e. 13+ years)
• Toilet block
• Shade sail
Parramatta City Council operates a network of play spaces designed for various age groups. Some of the large playgrounds feature equipment suitable for a wide age range, including teenagers. Below is a list of some of those playgrounds in the Parramatta Local Government Area.
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|
|
Preschoolers (0-5) |
Junior (6-12) |
Teenagers (13+) |
|
Northmead Reserve |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Frank Hayes Park, Wentworthville |
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Shannons Paddock, Wentworthville |
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
West Epping Park |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Halvorsen Park, Ermington |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
When replacing and upgrading playgrounds, Council aims to improve accessibility where possible, focusing on elements which have been considered alongside the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play framework and principles. These elements include providing accessible equipment, surfaces, seating with armrests and access to playgrounds via pathways. To find out more and what playgrounds already have these elements, please visit Council’s website by clicking here.
We heard from 21 local community members, with most using the reserve for children’s play, and many also using it for picnics, birthday parties, and exercise.
Feedback identified several issues with the existing playground, including that it is old, outdated and too basic, with limited variety and appeal for different age groups. Safety and accessibility concerns were also raised, as well as a lack of inclusive equipment for all abilities.
The most requested play equipment were swings and slides. Monkey bars, climbing walls or nets, and obstacle courses were also suggested, reflecting a desire for a playground that supports active play and has a variety of play equipment and opportunities.
The concept plan features a new swing set with basket, toddler and standard seats, along with an upgraded dinky track with painted play elements to support accessible play for all abilities. New softfall surfacing has been included to improve safety. A new climbing tower, slides and climbing cube are also proposed to encourage active play and provide engaging challenges for different age groups.
