Young families across Bathurst are having a ball, with a bevy of exciting new park and playground equipment springing up in Eglinton and Kelso.
A community park is now complete at Marsden Heights Estate, with the Federal Government chipping in $150,000 through the Drought Communities Program – Extension.
Three reserves within Mendel, Coates and Keane Drives in the estate have been transformed into parklands with play equipment, fitness stations and a multipurpose sports court, as well as picnic shelters, seating and a footpath network.
Around 20 Bathurst Regional Council staff worked on the Marsden Heights Estate parklands project, alongside 11 contracted staff.
At Eglinton Oval, a play space has also popped up thanks to $175,559 in Federal Government support under Round One of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
The site includes an all-abilities bucket swing and new play equipment, shade sails and rubber soft-fall areas. New seating and picnic areas also feature, with beautification works and new paths constructed to connect the playground to the car park.
During construction, the works at Eglinton Oval created five full-time jobs.
Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, said the two play spaces are a dream come true for young families.
“There’s loads of fun to be had at the two newest playgrounds in Bathurst, with thrilling new play equipment popping up in Eglinton and Marsden Park Estate that will keep youngsters entertained for hours!” said Minister Gee.
“All communities should have great public spaces where people of all ages and abilities can come together and have fun, so I’m delighted the Federal Government has chipped in more than $325,000 to bring two new playgrounds to life in Eglinton and Kelso.
“Bathurst is certainly growing quickly, and those grants ensure our facilities for growing families are top notch!
“The newly installed play equipment will provide young families with creative and well- thought-out play areas suitable for children of all ages and abilities.
“Playgrounds aren’t just spaces where kids can monkey around, jump about, and enjoy themselves. Well designed, imaginative and accessible playgrounds help keep our communities happy, healthy, active and connected.
“It is wonderful that both projects catered to both the young, and the young at heart, with fitness stations, picnics shelters, seating and improved footpaths completed at Marden Heights Estate and Eglinton Oval,” said Mr Gee.
Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council, Robert Taylor, thanked the Federal Government for supporting the construction of the two community parks.
“I would like to thank the Federal Government for the funding and making this project possible,” said the Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council.
“The parks are a wonderful initiative encouraging residents of all ages to play and stay active.
“They also provide an ideal space for people and families to get together, socialise and interact,” said Mr Taylor.
The Drought Communities Programme – Extension provided eligible drought-affected councils with up to $1 million dollars in support for drought relief projects to create jobs, boost tourism or improve community wellbeing.
The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects, to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
