Marri Badoo Reserve - Playground Replacement

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

Marri Badoo Reserve playground is a local playground catering to children aged 0 - 12 years old.

Currently, the playground and park features:

• Playing structure with slides, steps, bridges, steps, climbing frames, monkey bars, interactive panels and imaginative play elements  

• Double swing with toddler seat and strap seat 

• Single rocker 

• Seats 

• Picnic table and shelter 

• Bin 

• Retaining wall 

• Garden bed 

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• Possible playground relocation

• New playground equipment  

• New rubber softfall surfacing   

• Updated seating with back rests and arm rests 

• New picnic table 

• New bin enclosure 

• Accessible bubbler closer to playground 

• Signage  

•    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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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 41 locals with feedback highlighting a strong desire for the playground to be modernised, safer, and more welcoming. There were calls for new and better-quality play equipment, improved visibility, and a more accessible layout with clear paths and safer surfacing. We are also working with care and sensitivity to ensure that the new playground blends in with its natural setting and is well situated on the site’s topography. 

1. Whilst some residents supported relocating the playground to a more open and visible site, a large proportion of residents (44%) preferred that the playground remain in its existing location at the end of Christina Street citing its established character and convenience. 

2. Children’s responses revealed a clear preference for active and imaginative play. The most popular features were swings, flying foxes, slides, and climbing equipment with opportunities for shared and adventurous play.

3. Families also asked for more seating, shaded areas, and social amenities such as picnic tables, BBQs, and bins. 

It is proposed that the new playground will have:

• New picnic shelter and picnic table setting
• Paved area with two new bench seats
• Existing stone retaining wall retained
• New climbing play equipment
• New triple swing, with regular swing, infant swing and hammock
• Potential future path connection to Christina Street
• All existing trees to be retained and protected

Support levels for the three location options were:
•    End of Christina Street (Existing location): 44%
•    End of Elm Place: 24%
•    Corner of Kirby & Pine Streets: 27%