Let’s talk playtime

This week, we’re trialling two playground pop-ups to hear directly from local residents what they think about plans to improve their local play spaces.

The pop-ups will be held at:

• Otford Road Playground – at the tennis court – Friday 6 March from 3.30-5pm
• Norm O’Brien Park Playground – at the playground – Saturday 7 March from 10am-12 noon

We are currently planning to update play experiences at these locations, and we’re looking to check-in with local residents and users on the concepts.

“We know play spaces play a vital role in our community – and not just a place to let kids explore, burn off energy and play,’’ Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.

“Play spaces are areas of social connection and celebrations, and this isn’t just limited to our youngest members of the community.

“The purpose of these upcoming pop-ups is to check in with the local community and talk to them about what we’re thinking will work within their parks and to see if there’s alignment with their use of the space.

Those who are interested, but not able to be at the pop-up, can email engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au to seek more information or to share their thoughts and feedback.

“We’re seeking some very specific information from the community at both of these pop-ups,’’ Cr Brown said.

“At Helensburgh, we’ve two options for the swing set that we’ve planned and we want to know the community’s preference. Otford, meanwhile, is a very constrained site, so we want to hear directly from residents about their needs and expectations.’’

The pop-ups are a trial and, if successful, will be rolled out across the Local Government Area with targeted consultation on local parks for next year’s playground refurbishments and replacements. Details as to which playgrounds are being considered for work are being finalised at the moment with priority given to ageing spaces.

“Traditionally we’ve focused engagement opportunities on our larger playgrounds – those that are a district or regional level, so this is us exploring a new way of working when it comes to feedback opportunities with our community,’’ Cr Brown said.

Council’s Recreation staff will also be in attendance at the upcoming Helensburgh Let’s talk event from4-6pm at Helensburgh Community Rooms on Thursday 12 March.