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
Willmot Reserve playground is a local playground catering to children aged 0 - 12 years old.
Currently, the playground and park features:
• Double play tower with slides, steps, bridges, climbing structures, obstacle course, monkey bars, interactive panels and imaginative play elements
• Double swing with toddler seat and strap seat
• Old style bubbler
• Seating
• Picnic table
• Bin
• Garden bed
• Monuments to Thomas Willmot
• War memorial plinth
• Pedestrian laneway
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• New playground equipment
• New rubber softfall surfacing
• Updated seating with back rests and arm rests
• New picnic table
• New bins enclosure
• Accessible bubbler closer to playground
• New curb ramp
• Directional signage
• Viewing seat for the war memorial and footpath
• New hedge planting next to the pedestrian laneway
• 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 26 community members about how they use and value the existing playground. Taking children to the playground, as well as walking or jogging, were the main reasons for visiting. Nearly half of respondents visit weekly, with most walking to the park and around one‑fifth travelling by car.
The community expressed a clear desire for a playground that balances safety, inclusion and accessibility for all ages, while remaining open, social and well connected to the surrounding neighbourhood. Retaining key play elements - such as swings, slides, climbing equipment and open space - was identified as important.
The draft concept design includes over 40 play activities, featuring swings, climbing and sliding elements, and inclusive equipment for children aged 0–12 years. The main play structure acknowledges Thomas Willmot, the park’s namesake, with plans to respectfully relocate the existing commemorative plaque.
The design also retains and protects existing trees, introduces screening planting along the northern boundary, and includes rubber softfall surfacing to enhance safety.
