Carlingford Oval, Beecroft
Over two stages of engagement delivered throughout 2021, Council sought community feedback on the upgrade of Orchard Road Reserve Playground in Beecroft (also referred to as Carlingford Oval Playground).
The existing local playground is targeted to pre-school aged children (0 – 5 years) and juniors (6-12 years) and has ‘skill based’ play type elements. The City of Parramatta Community Infrastructure Strategy recommends that upgrades to local playgrounds in this area should include increased ‘natural’, ‘sensory’ and ‘imaginative’ play type elements.
In response to this recommendation and the community feedback that was provided, Council has developed a concept plan for the new playground. You can check out the concept plan in the resources section of this page!
Construction of the new playground is scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2022 (wet weather permitting).
The new playground will be built to the east of the existing playground and will take advantage of shade from already established trees. Consideration was given to retaining the existing playground until construction of the new playground was finalised, however it was determined to be significantly more cost efficient and safer to demolish it at the same time.
The existing park shelter will be retained and painted for general park use. The new playground will not have an additional shelter installed as it was beyond the allocated project budget, however it will include two new park seats with backrests as well as informal seating opportunities on sandstone walls, in a location with natural shade from existing trees.
All trees, shrubs, grasses and groundcovers to be planted in the new landscaped areas will be endemic species (i.e. locally native) with previous exotic shade tree plantings to the north of the existing playground being removed at the same time.
During stage one of community engagement, Council asked questions to determine how the local community uses the playground at Orchard Road Reserve (Carlingford Oval) Playground, as well as develop an understanding of what the community wants to see delivered as part of the upgrade.
Based on your feedback and site requirements, Council developed two options for the new play equipment which we consulted the community on during stage two of community engagement. Of the two options presented, the clear preference was Option One with 98% of respondents preferring this design.
Key features include:
This proposal responds to the top 3 requests from the community- nature play, climbing equipment and swings. There are over 35 play activities including a multi-play unit to accommodate children of all ages, from more challenging climbing nets to a double slide for younger children. Whilst the multi-play unit emphasises climbing, a timber climbing totem and balancing trail addresses the nature play element.
Option Two
Key features include:
This proposal meets the community’s nature play request through its unique play hut. The hut includes multiple routes of access to the deck area to suit a range of ages and abilities, for instance a rock climb wall and climbing nets.
A slide is also included in the hut, accompanied by a timber triple swing which responds to community feedback
Stage one consultation commenced
Stage one consultation concludes and project team to analyse feedback
Landscape Architects to design initial concept plan informed by community and stakeholder consultation
Stage two consultation seeking feedback on preferred play equipment
Construction of the playground to be completed by 30 June 2022 (wet weather permitting)
If you have questions or want to learn more about this project, please contact us using the details below:
Phone 1300 617 058
