Council is looking to upgrade the playground at Buruwang Park in Newington, and in early 2021, we asked for your help in deciding the new playground equipment that should be included. Council is also proposing to retain the existing sandstone wall as well as provide formal pathways on either side of the retaining wall.
The playground is currently quite small with only a multiplay structure and two spinners. It is surrounded by a number of trees in an environment which encourages a sense of discovery for children, but also provides a relaxing atmosphere under the tree canopy.
To enhance this character, a magic forest theme has been put forward for the playground upgrade. A designated ‘Fairy Grotto’ has been proposed off the main play space to promote imaginative play, with proposed sandstone boulders, fairy doors and toadstools.
The current play equipment lacks a swing, so Council has proposed expanding the area covered by softfall rubber to accommodate one. The proposed location of the footpath through the two softfall areas also helps break up the space and creates better flow from one end of the playground to the other.
Check out the Draft Concept Plan in the resources section for more details on what is proposed.
Please note that all play equipment shown on the Draft Concept Plan is indicative only.
Have Your Say!
Thank you to everyone that provided feedback during the consultation on the proposed upgrades to Buruwang Park Playground throughout early February 2021. We received 143 submissions via the online survey.
The Draft Concept Plan was very well received, with 75% of respondents indicating their support for the proposal. When it came to selecting the preferred playground design from the four options presented, it was clear that Option Three was most favoured, with 59% of respondents selecting this option.
Seventy-six respondents chose to provide additional comments. Of these, most commented on elements of the playground design that they would like to see updated. A number of comments were made in relation to the appropriateness of the designs for older children (aged 7-12).
Council has reviewed the designs in line with our endorsed Community Infrastructure Strategy which sets out what types of play equipment are suitable for different age groupings of children. The different climbing elements presented in Option Three have been determined to be suitable for children aged 7-12, however to help make this playground option more appealing to children in this age bracket, Council will be working with the playground equipment provider to update the design and switch out the spider-web net for a straight gridded net.
Construction on the playground upgrades will commence shortly. We will keep you updated on the progress of this project via this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
No shade sails are planned for this playground as there is plenty of natural shade that already provides a good level of protection from the sun.
No fence will be provided as the existing retaining wall between the playground and Newington Boulevard creates an effective barrier. Any money spent on fencing would be subtracted from the overall budget which would mean less money for playground equipment. Fences are therefore only included in local playgrounds when necessary.
The addition of a swing will require the removal of four small Melaleuca trees (in the location of the proposed swing). The playground is however already heavily shaded and the loss of these small trees will not impact shade.
All trees removed will be replaced elsewhere in Buruwang Park where space allows.
The two garden bed areas will frame the swings on either side and the two trees south of the swings will be retained. An additional tree will be planted at the other end of the swing.
No water play is planned for this playground as it is only to be installed in specially considered locations and is too expensive to install and maintain under a Local Playground budget.
No trampolines or flying foxes are planned for this playground as these items are too expensive to be funded under a Local Playground budget.
Outdoor exercise equipment is not designed for children and cannot be included in playgrounds. The budget has been specifically allocated to upgrade the playground and does not allow for additional items in the park.
Yes, the playground will include two new seats.
Yes, the existing bin will be upgraded, and a bubbler will be installed.
The play surface around the play equipment will be made from a coloured porous rubber.
