Families across Canberra will be the winners in this year’s ACT Budget with a $3.35 million investment in parks and playgrounds across the territory, announced Minister for Transport and Municipal Services Meegan Fitzharris today.
“Four playgrounds will receive an investment of $900,000 in this year’s Budget for major upgrades that will provide a range of fun new equipment for kids of all ages, including Boswell Street in Florey, Jacobs Street in Evatt, Howell Street in Gowrie and Yerrabi Pond District Park in Gungahlin,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“Design plans for the upgrades in Florey, Evatt and Gowrie have already been prepared following consultation with local residents who identified the types of play activities they would like to see at the playgrounds. A mix of new equipment will be provided, with the playgrounds on Boswell, Jacobs and Howell Streets to receive a double swing set and play unit for younger children.
“In addition to this, the Jacobs Street playground will receive a spinning platform and seesaw, the Boswell Street playground will receive a spinning platform and the Howell Street playground will receive a rotating seesaw and train structure. The existing tarzan bridge and large swing at Yerrabi Pond District Park will be modified to ensure they meet the current Australian Standards and return more exciting play to this popular park.
“Telopea Park in Barton, Finn Street in O’Connor and Tuggeranong Town Park will also receive an investment of $360,000 for new natural play spaces to be constructed.
“Natural play spaces are made up of elements such as logs, water and rocks to allow children to climb, jump, splash, explore and develop their gross-motor skills. These three playgrounds will help enhance the natural settings of these parks.”
Minister Fitzharris said that a range of upgrades will also be undertaken at playgrounds across the ACT to provide additional park amenities and general improvements.
“Additional investment of $900,000 will allow upgrades at up to 30 high-use playgrounds around the ACT, with a focus on providing new shade sails to protect children from the elements while they are playing, new play equipment, and more pleasant rest areas for parents and carers at all times of the day, particularly during the warmer summer months,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“We will also invest a further $200,000 to ensure our playgrounds are up to standard, including replacing or modifying sections of equipment including hand rails, scramble nets, fencing and other minor adjustments. An additional $140,000 will be invested in new park furniture upgrades to make our public spaces even more accessible.
“We will also make our city even more dog friendly by investing $320,000 in a new dog park in the growing Weston Creek/Molonglo region, and a further $200,000 for minor restoration works at our six other popular dog parks.
“Finally we will be investing $330,000 to upgrade the skatepark in Tuggeranong and to enhance the fitness equipment in Yarralumla to help encourage people to be active outdoors.
“This is a great $3.35 million investment in our city’s playgrounds and parks, and I am so excited about the opportunity to make playing in Canberra an even better experience for children, dog lovers and people of all ages.
“The ACT Government is committed to helping the community lead healthy, active lives. As a mum I know that ensuring our playgrounds are safe and fun is an important part of this commitment, and I am confident these measures in our Budget will ensure our play spaces continue to be some of the best in Australia,” Minister Fitzharris concluded.
Loading ...
