An inclusive playground will be built in Croudace Bay after Lake Macquarie City Council was successful in securing $200,000 through the NSW Government's Everyone Can Play initiative.
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Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack said Lake Macquarie City Council was one of 30 successful councils to benefit from the latest round of the Everyone Can Play initiative which helps to create inclusive playgrounds across NSW.
"The funding will help deliver the new Thomas H. Halton Playspace at Croudace Bay which will include an all-accessible carousel, giant nest swing, water play area and even a custom ship," Ms Cusack said.
"New amenities and parking will be constructed, as well as new tables, barbeques, picnic shelters and pathways. The play space will also have new turf, quiet spaces and sensory equipment, and will be fully fenced, giving parents and carers of children with a disability some peace of mind.
"The new play space will be designed and constructed in accordance with the NSW Government's 'Everyone Can Play' guidelines aimed at including everyone in the community regardless of age, ability or cultural background.
"While local playgrounds are closed at the moment to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our community, it'll be important that everyone will get a chance to play once they reopen."
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said ensuring the local government area offers people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds access to play spaces is essential.
"Daily play and social connection are very important to a child's development," she said.
"Accessible play equipment not only helps young people with a disability to socialise and make new friends - it also allows them to stay active.
"Inclusive playgrounds provide wonderful spaces for families and friends to play, relax and connect, and this funding will help make our community more inclusive than ever before."
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the COVID-19 crisis had highlighted the importance of open spaces to the community's health and wellbeing.
"This latest round of funding will help keep the economy moving in these uncertain times and create great spaces for families and children to enjoy once this crisis is behind us," Mr Stokes said.
