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 53 local residents during this round of consultation. Of these, three‑fifths visit the park on a weekly basis, and 90% walk to the park, primarily to take children to the playground. This feedback confirms that the park is a highly valued and well‑used space for families with young children.
Residents highlighted several existing features they would like to see retained, including the swings, scooter loop, natural shade, and climbing and sliding elements. Many also emphasised the importance of maintaining the park as a quiet space and a place to rest. Overall, feedback focused on upgrading play equipment, improving safety, and adding supporting amenities.
Design Response
In response to community feedback, we have developed a concept design that retains and enhances the park’s most popular features. This includes upgraded swing elements (a triple swing set with an accessible basket swing), a variety of climbing opportunities (such as boulder walls, monkey bars, and a spider web), and sliding elements (spiral tube slide and toddler slide).
The design also introduces nature play and a pretend play shop to better cater for younger children. The well‑loved scooter track and ouroboros snake design will be retained and repainted, and all existing trees on site will be protected.
To support comfort and usability, the design includes new paved areas with bench seating, as well as a drinking fountain and bins, enhancing the park’s function as a welcoming space for both play and rest.
