Fishing Point’s first playground officially opens
Published on 23 July 2022
A new world of fun has been unlocked at Fishing Point, with a playground boasting an exhilarating basket swing, slide and climbing net officially open at Alkrington Park.
Lake Macquarie City Council Section Manager Community Assets Brendan Callander said the $636,000 project also included sandstone blocks for seating and a large grassed area.
“This gives families in Fishing Point their first local playground, where kids can go to play and connect,” Mr Callander said.
“The new equipment will bring the space up to modern expectations for outdoor play areas and revitalise the area for years to come.”
The site had been used as a works depot for several years to upgrade local roads.
Council promised to build a parkland on the site once those upgrades were complete.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said it was great to provide new facilities for families in the area.
“Parts of the new playground have been designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, which is a big part of creating an inclusive, welcoming space for the community,” she said.
The parkland features wheelchair-friendly pathways and soft, rubber surfaces to improve safety and allow easy access to some playground equipment.
“We want to foster a love for the outdoors among young children, and I believe this playground will go a long way in doing that,” Cr Fraser said.
The NSW Government has committed $263,635 grant to the project through its Resources for Regions program.
Isabelle Hockley, who moved to the area about six months ago, said it was good to now have a park so close to home for her son, Luka.
"It's great. He loves it - especially the swings," she said.
Nathan Bonselaar, who lives across the road from the park, has watched it take shape in recent months.
"It's great to finally see something here. When we first moved here eight years ago, it was just open space and there wasn't much interaction with the community. Now it's really a place for people to get together."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Resources for Regions has delivered 242 projects worth $420 million for mining communities over the last 10 years.
“The NSW Government continues to support regional mining towns that supply our state with these precious resources, so I am pleased Lake Macquarie City Council put this project forward to support the ongoing growth and prosperity of the local community,” Mr Toole said.
“These projects funded by the Resources for Regions Fund highlight the important role mining plays in the NSW economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the state and it will continue to play a role in Lake Macquarie and the Hunter for years to come.”
Head to lakemac.com.au for more information about parks and playgrounds in Lake Macquarie City.