Ku-ring-gai Council has completed a new play, fitness and recreation area at Hassall Park St Ives, with new equipment for all age groups and those with mobility limitations.
Mayor, Christine Kay said the upgrade was an important new open space asset.
“I expect these new facilities will be used by a wide range of age groups, including those with mobility limitations,” Mayor Kay said.
“This is now a great location to take the kids for some play, do some outdoor fitness or simply have a BBQ and picnic and enjoy the bushland and green surroundings.”
The works were managed and delivered by Ku-ring-gai Council and funded by Council and two NSW Government grants.
The upgrade includes:
- A playground with climbing equipment, including a bouldering pillar and caterpillar climber and slide, to help children develop motor skills;
- Sensory play equipment, including animal carvings and talk tube flowers, to encourage social interaction and sensory development among children;
- Dynamic play equipment, in the form of double swing and toddler swing, to promote co-ordination and social play;
- An accessible carousel, suitable for wheelchair users;
- An outdoor gym containing a cross-trainer and sit-up bench;
- Rubber softfall around the play and fitness equipment;
- A picnic shelter and BBQ area;
- Additional tree and shrub planting.
Around 485m of new pathways – running from the Hassall Park car park and Mona Vale Road – have been built to provide step-free access to the new facilities. The pathways also include new seating, bubblers, sports field fencing and landscaping.
The carpark has also been re-designed to accommodate an extra nine vehicles.
The works form the first stage of Hassall Park improvements outlined in a 2021 masterplan.
The masterplan works have been supported by $1.4 million in NSW Government grants, including $1.2 million from the NSW Office of Sport’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund and $200,000 from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s Everyone Can Play Grant.
NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said the upgrade demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to build better communities by providing fit-for-purpose sporting infrastructure that serves the whole community.
“Local sport infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and it is vital that these facilities can be enjoyed by everyone regardless age, gender or mobility level,” Minister Kamper said.
The next stage of the Hassall Park masterplan works will include an upgrade of the existing amenities building to provide community access to new unisex accessible and ambulant toilets.
Council is currently finalising tender documentation with a view to commence these works early next year.
