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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 at www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/recreation/our-parks/park-upgrades
Rapanea Community Forest playground is a local playground catering to children aged 0 - 12 years old.
Currently, the playground and park feature:
- Double play towers include a crawl tunnel, platforms, chain bridge, rope and corkscrew climbers, plastic 'rock wall', fireman's pole, cubby with car panel, abacus balls and ladder.
- Double swing with lap seat and infant seat
- Seating
- Bin
• New playground equipment
• New rubber softfall surfacing
• Updated seating with back rests and arm rests
• New bin enclosure
• New bubbler
• Possible footpath from the kerb to the playground (subject to Turpentine Ironbark Forest impact assessment)
• 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 received feedback from 15 local residents who have expressed a clear need to update the outdated play equipment, noting that its worn condition and lack of modern features limit usage. Key design considerations were shaped by the following:
1. The community values the playground for its natural shade, peaceful setting, and forest backdrop, and prefers to preserve its quiet, green character.
The new playground will blend into the landscape, use natural materials, retain existing trees, and follow a layout that complements the surrounding trees and topography.
2. There was a strong preference for interactive, versatile features in a natural environment, with soft fall surfaces for safety and cleanliness. Children preferred active play equipment, especially swings, slides, and climbing structures.
The playground will have soft fall rubber flooring, triple swings (infant, regular, basket), and new climbing structures with nets and steppers.
3. The community identified key play elements to be preserved, including climbing structures, balance beams, and the concrete edging wall utilized for play.
The retaining wall and concrete edge will be preserved, and the new playground equipment will incorporate a climbing structure as well as balancing play features.
It is proposed that the new playground will have:
- New rubber soft fall surfacing
- Existing retaining wall and concrete edge to be preserved
- New double slide and climbing structure with climbing nets and steppers
- Triple swing, including infants swing, regular swing and basket swing
- 2 new bench seats with concrete pad
- New rubbish bin enclosure
- Existing trees to be retained
- Provision for potential future path connection to Mckillop Place
