Greens councillor Jill Merrin and Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery were there at the opening of Bellambi Point's amazing new play space. The designers listened to the children of Bellambi who told them what they wanted.
Article in Illawarra Mercury, June 29 2017
The self-proclaimed king of the kids opened Bellambi Point’s new play space on Wednesday.
Cr Bradbery will be back on duty on Thursday to once again cut the ribbon and a cake for the new playground opening at Nicholson Park in Woonona.
‘’Playground reopenings are one of the major joys of this job,’’ he said.
‘’The kids just get so into it. They love the chance to be one of the first on the new equipment and, of course, any excuse for celebratory cake is a good one.’’
Bellambi Public School students as well as children, parents and carers from two local playgroups were consulted in the design of the Bellambi Point play space.
Their suggestions, which included trampolining, hanging upside down, water play and swinging, were incorporated into the $100,000 upgrade.
Playground reopenings are one of the major joys of this job.
‘’By carrying out this engagement, the kids have a real sense of ownership over their playspace and get to have the play experiences they want,’’ Cr Bradbery said.
Council invested $1 million in the renewal of nine aged playgrounds in the 2016-17 budget. It plans to increase this to $1.2 million in the next financial year to renew a host of playgrounds, including at Ray Crimp Oval, Primbee, Fred Finch Park, Berkeley and Harry Graham Park, Figtree.
‘’Council is investing a significant amount in renewing our playgrounds and play spaces. We’re making sure kids across our local government area have spaces to play that encourage movement and also foster their imagination,’’ Cr Bradbery said.