Wednesday 25 July, 2012
Design for regional playground approved A junior bicycle track, picnic areas, an upgraded amenities block, fitness area for seniors and themed play zones are part of a design concept for a regional playground which was endorsed at last night's Tamworth Regional Council meeting.
Councillors approved the design 'in principle' and formally supported the playground being located at the southern end of Bicentennial Park, Tamworth.
They also called for a further report on a strategy to fund the proposed playground.
A report tabled at last night's council meeting revealed the estimated cost of constructing the proposed regional playground is around $1 million.
'Council currently has $340,000 allocated for the project, funded from Section 94 contributions, leaving a funding gap of approximately $660,000,' the report said.
'Should Council approve the concept plan a Funding Strategy will be required to determine the most appropriate method of securing the additional funding prior to commencing the construction phase of the project.'
The construction of a regional playground in Bicentennial Park was one of the recommendations of Council's Recreation and Open Space Plan in 2008. The concept was further developed and supported by the Riverside Parklands Issues and Options Paper (2008) and the Fitzroy Street and Bicentennial Park Concept Master Plan (2009).
Council allocated $200,000 in its 2008-2011 Management Plan for the development of a regional playground in Bicentennial Park.
In January this year, Parks and Horticulture staff engaged Insite EMLA Landscape Architects to design the regional playground.
The report to Council said the resulting concept plan has 'a unique character, responding to a usercentred design philosophy'. It caters for children of all abilities and their families as well as providing a place the whole community can enjoy together.
'It provides users with a challenging and dynamic range of play equipment and facilities, consisting of distinct areas of play, with age-relevant equipment for children of all ages and abilities,' the report said.