THE playground at Narrawallee Inlet will more than double in size and the ageing equipment is expected to be replaced with new, modern facilities before the Christmas holidays.
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Shoalhaven City Councillors unanimously voted to support replacing the playground in the inlet reserve at last week’s policy and planning committee meeting following a wave of community support for the improved facility, that included more than 400 submissions from residents and ratepayers.
The larger style playground will include a range of more interactive and innovative swings and rockers, including a climbing gym, gyro disk and tornado swing at a cost of $100,000.
Ulladulla and Districts Community Forum president Jan Gregory said the option was “preferred by the majority”.
“We look forward to very soon having the larger playground with new and different pieces of equipment,” she said.
“This is the most popular area for families with the Inlet, the walk through to Narrawalllee Beach and the playground and barbecue facilities.
“It is used by many from the greater Ulladulla and districts area as well as by many visitors to our area.
“It's a scenic area and a relaxing place for time with family and friends and it is very important to have good playground equipment at the site that most people choose to picnic,” Mrs Gregory said.
“This is also an area pre-schools and older groups visit for excursions.
“Various aspects of gross motor skills can be developed in the usage of playground equipment, as well as the development of social interaction and sharing.”
Cr Allan Baptist said council voted unanimously for the full playground option at the Inlet because “the majority of community sought this as the preferred option”.
Cr Findley said during the meeting she made a “passionate plea to fellow councillors” to support the large playground ahead of options that included removing or relocating equipment.
“The additional equipment to the park will utilise the reserve to its maximum and really extend the opportunities for play, especially for the pre-schoolers who use the park in the summer months for all sorts of parties,” she said.
“On hearing my pleas Mayor Joanna Gash good heartedly declared ‘okay, okay you’ve won me over’.”
Cr Mark Kitchener also threw his support behind the project claiming the park was in a “pristine location suited to family socialisation and a safe water play area with shelter and protection from the elements”.
“Improving and increasing the size of the children’s playground will help to cater for eight to 12-year-olds and further develop their skills in locomotion, flexibility, stamina, agility and strength,” he said.
Cr Patricia White said council would consider the location or possible removal of other parks in the Narrawallee and Mollymook area at the December policy and resources meeting as part of a council review of parks throughout the city.