Blue Mountains News

To view and have your say on the draft designs, take part in the online survey by Monday, 7 November 2022 at: here.

Or, visit us at an information stall being held in Blackheath Village Centre (near the Friendly Grocer, 14-16 Govetts Leap Road) on Thursday, 3 November: 10am - 1pm.

Based on feedback received from the community in March this year, the draft designs show a range of exciting new play equipment, linked spaces and a focus on providing an accessible park that embraces the needs of as many children, carers and families as possible.

Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “The draft designs show how we’re planning to enhance the existing play area and provide a fun, safe and engaging space that really fires the imagination and creativity of children of all abilities.

“Designing a play space that meets this brief while also working to maintain a balance with the unique and much-loved landscape of the park, is not an easy task. However, we’re up to the challenge and I believe the current drafts strike the right balance.

“Of course, the iconic red rocket isn’t going anywhere, except in the minds of children suiting up to visit the stars! The heritage pipe-based play equipment is also being retained.

“Recent weather events remind us just how central water is to the environment at the park. The water play elements being proposed not only provide creative opportunities for children to explore, but will also help direct the significant water flows at the park, resulting in drier and more usable area – it’s a win-win.

“The community’s voice plays a critical role in the planning of the play space. Providing your feedback is easy - jump online and complete the short survey or we would love to see you at the information stall to talk one-on-one about the plans with Council staff.”

Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park is one of four district parks in the Blue Mountains, which means it is designed for the whole Blue Mountains community to use.

The upgrade is in line with the masterplan for the site, which was adopted in 2020 after two years of extensive community consultation.

In addition to the play space, upgrades are also underway for the duck pond and surrounding landscape at Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park as part of the current project.

The play space upgrade works will be delivered as part of a $2 million funding boost from the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program. A further $2 million funding from this program is also providing for upgrades to the Corridor of Oaks at Faulconbridge.

About the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program:
The NSW Government is investing up to $250 million through the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program to support councils to deliver more and better public spaces across the state. This is the biggest injection of funding for public spaces in a generation.
Find out more about the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.