Lithgow’s desire to construct an adventure playground at Endeavour Park could soon become a reality if a funding application is approved by the NSW government.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In September, council made a submission to dedicate $1,042,000 from the Stronger Country Communities Fund towards the adventure playground project, with a estimated construction cost of $1,369,000.
A total of $1.7 million has been specifically allocated to Lithgow from the state government fund.
Council’s application requested funding to construct an all abilities adventure playground “to provide fun, safe, interesting and unstructured play areas for children”.
If the project goes ahead the playground will incorporate a mining theme and will be equipped with flying foxes, climbing structures, trampolines, cubbies, water activities and natural play spaces.
All of which are geared to develop creative, social and cognitive skills in children.
Another goal of the development will be to promote economic development and create new jobs by bringing visitors to Lithgow to experience its range of recreational, sporting and cultural attractions.
An adventure playground in Lithgow has been a priority for council since 2014.
In October of that year, council endorsed Endeavour Park as the preferred site for the playground, to consult the community on this proposal and to allocate funds for concept design.
A community survey undertaken by council at the end of 2014 received 463 responses with 99% supporting the development of an adventure playground and 94% supporting its location at Endeavour Park.
Anything that's using their bodies as well as their brains, it's going to be good for every part of their lives.
- Sonia Doran
The Doran family of South Bowenfels would welcome an adventure park in Lithgow with open arms.
"Any chance to have kids outside and being active is a good thing," mother Sonia Doran said.
Mrs Doran said her family including children Sam (13), Luke (11) and Jane (9) had previously travelled to the adventure playground in Bathurst for a fun outing.
The youngest Doran, Jane, said she particularly enjoyed Bathurst’s flying fox and swings.
"I think there's lots of kids that don't get the chance to do things like water activities, trampolines, climbing structures," Mrs Doran said.
"A lot of kids spend way too much time in front of screens, any opportunity to be out in the open with good quality equipment, safe structures. That's all got to be good.
"Anything that's using their bodies as well as their brains, it's going to be good for every part of their lives."
Luke mentioned that he had previously been swooped by a magpie at Endeavour Park but would much prefer to be the one taking to the air on a flying fox or the trampolines and climbing structures.