Governor Phillip Park Open For Playing

Spending time outdoors in the fresh air may not remain a thing of the past for much longer, with the expansion of the $15 million Everyone Can Play program. Applications for funding are now open to build new and improved inclusive play spaces across the state, with $5 million up for grabs.

NSW Member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston MP, said the State Government had expanded the program to ensure more people were able to enjoy public parks.

“We’re committed to creating play spaces everyone can enjoy,” Ms Preston said.

“So I encourage Hawkesbury City Council to apply for projects to build or improve play spaces in our local area so they are accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Robyn Stokes said this fourth round of grants under the program would be the last.

“This $15 million program has already delivered 108 new or improved accessible play spaces throughout NSW since 2018,” Mr Stokes said.

“It is a very popular program that councils have embraced wholeheartedly. “It is an important way that we are working towards achieving the Premier’s priority to increase access to quality public space across the state.”

Hawkesbury City Council Mayor, Patrick Conolly, welcomed the increase in funding.

“There is a big demand in our community for inclusive play spaces and I look forward to working with Robyn Preston to identify which of our sites might benefit from the increased funding,” Mayor Conolly said.

“Council has worked hard over the last couple of months to repair Governor Phillip Park and our other parks damaged during the floods.

“Governor Phillip Park is now open.

“This financial year, Council spent around $2 million on planning and upgrading local parks and sporting fields across our city, including Deerubbin Park, Colbee Park, Woodbury Reserve, tennis court upgrades at Maraylya Park, Freemans Reach Reserve and Blaxlands Ridge.”

Council is planning to spend almost $2 million next financial year on parks and playing fields, including: Woodbury Reserve, Glossodia.
Colonial Reserve, Bligh Park.
South Windsor Park.

One hundred and seventy seven thousand dollars was spent during stage 2 of Governor Phillip Park to incorporate a double flying fox, a climbing structure for older children and a new picnic shelter with tables and chairs.

Governor Phillip is open to the public, though a special opening will be held in a few weeks.

People are urged to check Council’s facebook page for details. Visit www.openspace.smartygrants.com.au/EveryoneCanPlay_2020_2021 and apply before the closing date on June 25.

• Topics:

• Living and Lifestyle
• Local Council
• Grant / Funding