Blue Mountains News

The focus of the project was to improve inclusivity by providing additional play equipment to cater to a wider range of ages, groups, and interests. This includes a youth-size nest swing, a wheelchair accessible carousel, and a range of nature play and sensory items. Importantly, the upgrade also includes a new accessible toilet and accessible parking.

St Johns Park is one of five local parks in the Blue Mountains designed to cater for several suburbs or towns. Councillor Mark Greenhill, Mayor, said: “Improving accessibility provides important inclusion opportunities for those who have different abilities and for their carers as well. St Johns Park provides a play space for so many users; this significant upgrade helps make the park inclusive and accessible for more members of our community.”

The upgrade was funded by a $500,000 grant from the Australian Government under the Community Development Grants Programme. The plans were developed after extensive community consultation including an online survey and a face-to-face community consultation session with more than 100 attending.

Also now complete is the upgrade to Neate Park, Blackheath, following a $100,000 grant from the Crown Lands Improvement Fund.

This project includes an upgrade of the existing play equipment to Australian Standards, as well as new accessible elements including an increased capacity slide, an inclusive swing set, and a new accessible path. The play equipment was upgraded with similar equipment as this was the more cost-effective option. The costs associated with a complete re-design of the park would have made it unaffordable to make the play space accessible.

More information about the Neate Park upgrade can be found at:here

As with most infrastructure projects taking place across the LGA and the state, ongoing weather wet and industry-wide issues outside Council’s control impacted on the delivery timeframe of both projects.

Councillor Mark Greenhill, Mayor, said: “We know parks are important to our community and we are always looking for opportunities to improve these spaces.”