Kids around the region have cause for excitement, with new playgrounds being installed at Viaduct Park, Moore Creek and the Tamworth Sports Dome.
All three projects will commence in April 2023 and be finished in time for children to enjoy the new equipment during the winter school holidays. During the work period (approximately 12 weeks), the existing playground at Viaduct Park will be closed to the public, but the skate park and café will remain open as usual. As the playgrounds at the Sports Dome and Moore Creek are new, no site closures are required.
Council undertook community consultation for the Viaduct Park playground in November 2022 to ask the community to vote for their favourite playground design. With a train-themed design chosen to reflect the rail viaduct in the park, the new equipment will include inclusive play elements to allow children of all ages and abilities to interact. Similarly, the new playground at Tamworth Sports Dome will contain a play-structure featuring a wheelchair ramp, soft fall, shaded areas and seating. A swing, slide feature and a rocking apparatus will be installed at Moore Creek Recreational Park.
Mayor Russell Webb said that Council is continually lifting the standard of living for families in Tamworth by providing playgrounds for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
“We know playgrounds help children develop coordination, strength and motor skills, and we can’t wait to provide new spaces for them to enjoy”, he said.
Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the projects are being funded under round three of the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which helps regional communities have first rate facilities.
“Development and upgrades of new and existing infrastructure is not only improving public amenities to enjoy for years to come, but the construction activity is also supporting local jobs and the local economy through increased trade,” Mr Joyce said. “It is further delivering for the people of Tamworth and the New England, this is another part of social infrastructure that is deserving for an electorate that contributes so much to our nation and I’m happy to have played my part”. Mr Joyce said.
These playground installations are being funded by $745,000 from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The LRCI Program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across the nation, supporting jobs and delivering benefits to local communities.
To keep up to date with these projects, go to https://www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/explore/major-projects/lrci-phase-3.
