We heard from 29 locals with over 70% visiting this playground regularly. The community agreed that the current playground is outdated and in need of renewal. The main points for areas of improvement were:
Safety & Accessibility
- Uneven surfacing & trip hazards
- Unsafe ladders and climbing structures for toddlers
Equipment Condition
- Outdated, rusty & broken equipment
- Limited variety for different age groups
Amenity
- No water fountains
- Lack of seating opportunities & shading
The new playground will feature soft fall rubber floor surface, with the footprint extended to join the two play spaces together. The play structure will also include two distinct zones: one tailored for toddlers, and another offering more adventurous climbing opportunities for older children.
Other feedback
- A strong community preference for nature-based and sensory play experiences, especially those that reflect the local environment
- Swings and slides were identified as the most highly requested items
Swings and slides will be central features in the new design. The playground will feature a water dragon theme, inspired by the water dragons commonly seen in the nearby bushland.
It is proposed that the new playground will feature:
- Existing entry path and dinky track retained with damaged sections replaced
- Existing swings replaced with 3 Bay Swingset
- Expanded playground footprint to connect to path & join play spaces together
- Water dragon themed rocker
- Sandstone logs with staggered heights for passive seating and play. Sandstone will feature small carved sculptures relating to the water dragon theme.
- Combination play structure featuring a variety of play elements catering to toddlers and older children. Main features include 2 x slides, rope nets & ladders, rock wall, traversing ropes & imagination play shopfront
- New shelter and picnic setting with concrete path connection
- New accessible seating with back and armrests
- Proposed tree suitable for surrounding bushland
- Existing small trees removed due to poor health and proximity to dinky track
- Other existing trees retained
- New bin
- Mulched garden bed with scattered native plants
For detailed information, please see the draft concept plan.
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
Elizabeth Macarthur Park playground is a local playground featuring playing equipment that caters to children aged 0 - 12 years old.
Currently, the playground and park feature:
- Single play tower includes platforms, cubby, rock climbing wall, climbing rope ramp, slide, monkey bars, balancing beam, Tic-Tac-Toe rotating cubes and ladder.
- Double swing with lap seat and infant seat
- Picnic shelter
- Seating
- Concrete dinky track
- Bin
• New playground equipment
• New rubber softfall surfacing
• Updated seating with back rests and arm rests
• Refurbishing existing dinky track
• New bin enclosure
• New bubbler
• New picnic shelter and furniture
• 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.
