Neighbourhood Parks Upgrades

Two design options are presented for Peninsula Park. 

Both options fully replace the existing play equipment and include swings, a range of climbing elements with slides, and a balance trail set along a sloped terrace. Each design provides seating for supervising carers and introduces a theme that reflects the park’s bushland setting, including imaginative play elements. Existing fencing is retained, and both options include an accessible parking bay with connecting paths. 

Option one includes: 

• Two swings: a strap seat and an infant seat  
• A larger climbing unit with a double slide  
• A rocker in the lower area for movement play  
• A balance trail suited to younger children, including a tunnel  

Option two includes:

• A single nest swing  
• A smaller climbing unit with one slide, complemented by a track glide  
• A spinner in the lower area for movement play  
• A more challenging balance trail, including monkey bars  

*Note: Council understands many community members would like to see shade and toilet facilities included in local parks. While the scope of the current program means these cannot be included as part of the current upgrades, Council is actively exploring future funding opportunities to help deliver these improvements across the City.  

The final design for Bundah Park has been shaped by strong community support for a park that caters for a wide range of ages and balances imaginative play with physical challenge and inclusive design. 

The upgraded playground includes two slides at different heights, a new swing set, rocker, climbing structures and a nature play balance trail. The popular basketball and netball area will be retained and refreshed, and a learn-to-ride bike track with traffic signs and imaginative play features has been added in response to widespread feedback. 

Accessibility, social seating and a new bubbler have also been included, with further safety and planting improvements to be considered during detailed design. 

You can view and download the full design statement for Bundah Park here. 

The Thomas Park upgrade is intended to open the park and playspace to a wider range of visitors, including people with disabilities, by providing a bigger and updated range of play activities. 

The upgrade will include the replacement of the existing playspace, the creation of a bike loop and provision of connecting accessible paths from the parking area to the shelter and the playspace. 

The replacement of the existing playspace will include total replacement of the aged play equipment with new equipment in both nature play and traditional styles. (Please note that while a playground may still look serviceable at first glance, many of its components may be reaching the end of their intended lifespan. Over time, equipment can deteriorate in ways that aren’t always visible: materials weaken, safety standards evolve, and wear and tear from regular use accumulates). 

The updated play equipment will meet current safety standards and is designed to last another 20 years.

This final design responds to the community desire for the safer option of a separated bike and playspace, and to requests to include a slide and to ensure that the swings were accessible to wheelchair users. The community consultation included ideas and requests for other items which could not be included due to grant requirements, park suitability or budget constraints. These ideas and requests have been noted and may be explored for inclusion in future works.

These will appeal to a range of ages and includes:

• A generous four bay swing set, including a nest swing and an expression swing (which seats an adult and child at the same time)
• A climbing net in the shape of a spider web
• A climbing platform with a wide low slide suitable and safe for toddlers
• A long balance trail and
• the play space will be separated from the bike loop by a wall of sensory items and sandstone logs that will also provide informal seating. 

The new bike loop will feature include:

• rollers
• a berm around one end, 
• mounds to ride over or around to improve agility skills and
• optional riding challenges including skinnies and a bunny hop.  

We heard from the community that seating areas are very important to users. The upgrade will also provide additional seating in the park. There will still be four tables in the park, however one table will be moved out of the shelter and relocated closer to the playspace. This allows for wheelchair circulation space within the shelter to the remaining table, and responds to community requests to locate a picnic table closer to the playspace. Additional seating will be added along the edge of the shelter with sandstone blocks and bench seating (the exact details of the blocks and bench seating are still being finalised).  

In addition there will also be an new bench seat between the play space and bike track and the opportunity for informal seating on the sandstone logs, also between the play space and the track.

The Golden Horizons upgrade is intended to open the park and playspace to a wider range of visitors by providing a greater range of play options, accessible connections, and also ensure the equipment remains safe, durable, and enjoyable for the next 20 years. 

The upgrade will bring the two play spaces together, replacing the aged play equipment with new and modern equipment, and providing a fun play area for kids with bikes, scooters and skatebords. (Please note that while a playground may still look serviceable at first glance, many of its components may be reaching the end of their intended lifespan. Over time, equipment can deteriorate in ways that aren’t always visible: materials weaken, safety standards evolve, and wear and tear from regular use accumulates). 

The updated play equipment will meet current safety standards and is designed to last another 20 years.

 The proposed design includes  ;

• Combined swings including a nest swing, baby bucket and normal sling swing
• A climbing structure with junior dual slides and a taller curved tube slide
• A climbing and hangout net cube which includes more challenging climbing
• Play panels for imagination and tactile play, and 
• A balance trail with nature play elements

The bike loop will add a whole new dimension of play to Golden Horizons Park by opening it up for kids on bikes and other wheels. The final design of the bike loop has combined the strongly expressed preference in community feedback for both imaginative bike play with street signs, including a swivel Stop/Go construction sign and a Petrol Station to help teach road rules, and agility features to help kids improve balance and riding skills. It is hoped that the bike loop will help learners build riding skills which will lead to even more fun at the recently constructed pump track at Buttenshaw Park in Springwood or mountain bike riding elsewhere in the Blue Mountains.

Complimenting the play opportunities will be group seating away from the play equipment for teenagers to hangout, walking groups to meet up or parents and carers to enjoy a quiet coffee while the kids play.  

This final design responds to the strong support the community expressed for these play features and included specific requests including a bucket style baby seat, a low slide for toddlers, and for play items that will appeal to older children.  

The community consultation also included ideas and requests for other items which could not be included due to grant requirements, park suitability or budget constraints. These ideas and requests have been noted and may be explored for inclusion in future works.

The Medlow Bath Park upgrade is intended to open the park and playspace to a wider range of visitors by providing a greater range of play options, and also ensure the play equipment remains safe, durable, and enjoyable for the next 20 years.. 

The upgrade of Medlow Park will include works to the existing playspace and the addition of a new playspace. 

The works will include total replacement of the aged play equipment with new and modern equipment. (Please note that while a playground may still look serviceable at first glance, many of its components may be reaching the end of their intended lifespan. Over time, equipment can deteriorate in ways that aren’t always visible: materials weaken, safety standards evolve, and wear and tear from regular use accumulates). 

These are designed to appeal to a range of ages and include:

•    A three swing swing set including a nest swing 

•    A modern and safe version of a see saw

•    A climbing tower with a junior slide and a taller spiral tube slide

•    A new track glide

•    Play panels  for imagination and tactile play and 

•    A balance trail with nature play elements

This playspace will be partially enclosed by sandstone logs that will also provide informal seating, so adults watching children will be comfortable. 

Community consultation did not strongly support a proposed cubby at the upper playspace, and some safety concerns were raised. Instead, a new playspace will be added near the picnic shelter that will be fully wheelchair accessible, with paths connecting to parking, accessible toilet, bubbler and seating in the picnic shelter. 

This space includes:

•    One spinning music maker and one xylophone musical instrument

•    A imagination play panel referencing the history of the Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath, and

•    A pair of tube talkers. 

The updated play equipment will meet current safety standards and is designed to last another 20 years.

One frequently mentioned desire was for more seating and shelters. The park already includes a picnic shelter, as well as many trees and seats. As a neighbourhood park with relatively low tourism levels, it is expected that locals have the capacity to bring picnic chairs and/or picnic rugs if groups are expected. Having understood there is a particular need for a picnic setting near the playspace, it is proposed to refurbish and relocate one picnic setting, which is located on the sloping lawn, down to a level area immediately adjacent the main play area. 

The community consultation also included ideas and requests for other items which could not be included due to grant requirements, park suitability or budget constraints. These ideas and requests have been noted and may be explored for inclusion in future works.

Join us on-site at Thomas Park from 2:30pm to 5pm, Wednesday 21 May and 11am to 2pm, Saturday 24 May to review the draft designs in person with Council staff. 

Last year, we undertook the first round of community consultation on the Neighbourhood Parks Upgrade of Thomas Park in Blaxland East. Thomas Park is one of 16 parks across the Blue Mountains that are being upgraded as part of the Neighbourhood Parks Program. We consulted with the community, community groups and organisations, sporting groups and schools. 

The consultation gathered information about who uses the park, who would like to use the park and what inclusions the community would like to see, within the scope of this project. What we learned helped inform the designs we are presenting to you now, each of which addresses key wants and needs expressed through the consultation.

• 26% of respondents use Thomas Park daily.
• 26% of respondents use Thomas Park weekly.
• 59% of respondents take children to the park aged up to 5 years.
• 28% of respondents take children to the park aged 5 to 10 years.
• 5% of respondents take children to the park aged over 10 years.
• 8% of respondents do not take children to the park.

The top three favoured upgrade inclusions were:

1. Add basic bike loop.
2. Replace play equipment - add flying fox or track glide.
3.  Add nature play – rocks, balance logs or similar.

Overall, the survey showed us:

• 48% of respondents voted to add basic bike loop.
• 47% of respondents voted to add slackline. 
• 39% of respondents voted to replace play equipment - add flying fox or track glide. 
• 39% of respondents voted to add nature play – rocks, balance logs or similar. 
• 36% of respondents voted for updating and refurbishing furniture and picnic shelters.
• 34% of respondents voted to replace play equipment and add swings.
• 27% of respondents voted to replace play equipment and add slides.

In the options we are presenting, we have tried to accommodate as much of the stated wants for the park as possible, while balancing budget and looking at what is available at other nearby parks.

Design description
The upgrade of Thomas Park will include:

• Replacement of the play space with new and modern equipment including a new accessible play features which will welcome all children;
• A new bike track for developing riders to learn more advanced riding skills;
• The existing picnic facilities and shelter will be improved and made fully new wheelchair accessible with more informal group seating; and
• Accessible parking on Boorea Road which will connect to the picnic facilities and play equipment via an accessible path.

This upgrade is intended to open the park and play space up to a wider range of visitors who will be able to safely access all the major features. There will be an excellent range of activities for younger children while also creating some social spaces for older children and teens away from the play space. The equipment is designed to create opportunities for a variety of play options:  

• 'Moving the body' play may include the rock climbing features to develop strength, help develop risk management and are good for younger and older children.
• 'Kinetic play' includes swings, slides and spring rockers to help develop balance skills.
• 'Social Play and Imagination Play' will bring kids together to develop social and cooperation skills, and be spontaneous and creative.
• 'Explorative play' is a hands-on investigation of the world around us.
• There are also many spaces around the play space where kids can engage in self-directed learning about the environment.

Council has listened to the community including gathering feedback from the local childcare centres about how the park is used for play and early childhood activities and also local residents who enjoy the beautiful trees and natural features of the park.

Two options for Thomas Park are presented below.  They both provide a bike loop, swings and climbing options, but respond to community input in different ways.
Option one provides a playspace with the standard popular style of climbing and imaginative play. It incorporates a few nature-play components. The bike track is integrated through and around the playspace.
Option two provides a larger and more challenging bike loop separated from the play area. The playspace elements, apart from the swings, are more in the nature play style.

Please take some time to check out the designs and share your thoughts with us through the survey.

Park layout showing playground

insert map

Playspace Option 1  

Playspace Option 2 

Last year, we undertook the first round of community consultation on the Neighbourhood Parks Upgrade of Medlow Bath Park in Medlow Bath. Medlow Bath park is one of 16 parks across the Blue Mountains that are being upgraded as part of the Neighbourhood Parks Program. We consulted with the community, community groups and organisations, sporting groups and schools. 

The consultation gathered information about who uses the park, who would like to use the park and what inclusions the community would like to see, within the scope of this project. What we learned helped inform the designs we are presenting to you now, each of which addresses key wants and needs expressed through the consultation.

• Medlow Bath Park is well used with 37% of respondents using the park every day, 19% every week, and 31% every month.
• 66% of respondents take children to the park, mostly under 10 years of age. 
• 60% voted to replace play equipment and add a climbing frame.
• 49% voted to add an accessible sensory play section.
• 39% of respondents voted to replace play equipment and add swings.
• 38% of respondents voted to replace play equipment and add a spinning wheel.
• 30% of respondents voted to replace play equipment and add a slide.
• 84 % of respondents voted for improved picnic facilities.
• 34% of respondents voted to resurface tennis court.

In the options we are presenting, we have tried to accommodate as much of the stated wants for the park as possible, while balancing budget and looking at what is available at other nearby parks.

Design description

The upgrade of Medlow Bath Park will include:

• Replacement of the play space with new and modern equipment including a new accessible play area near the picnic shelter.
• The picnic facilities will be improved with a new wheelchair accessible path and pavement inside and around the shelter, with more informal group seating.  
• The old brick BBQ will be removed.  
• A new and unique feature will be the accessible creative playhouse near the picnic shelter in addition to creative activity boards.         

The play equipment will include elements which provide fun, creative and developmental opportunities for children of a wide range of ages and abilities. 

The equipment is designed to create opportunities for a variety of play options:  

• 'Moving the body' play may include the rock climbing features to develop strength, help develop risk management and are good for younger and older children.
• 'Kinetic play' includes swings, slides and spring rockers to help develop balance skills.
• 'Social Play and Imagination Play' will bring kids together to develop social and cooperation skills, and be spontaneous and creative.
• 'Explorative play' is a hands-on investigation of the world around us.
• There are also many spaces around the play space where kids can engage in self-directed learning about the environment.

Council understands there is strong support for upgrading the tennis court, and while this will not be done as a part of this project, Council is proactively seeking funding opportunities which will support a tennis court upgrade as a future project.

Please take some time to check out the designs and share your thoughts with us through the survey.

If you would like assistance to complete this survey please contact Council on 02 4723 5000 or council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au. To assist our team to direct your enquiry, please quote the survey name 'Neighbourhood Parks Survey'.  

Park layout showing playspace and picnic shelter

Location map

Playspace Option 1

Playspace Option 1  

Playspace Option 1 detail

 

Playspace Option 1 Detail

Playspace Option 1 Detail

 

Playspace Option 1 Detail

Playspace Option 1 floorplan 

Picnic Shelter Option 1

Picnic Shelter Option 1 

 

Playspace Option 2 

Playspace Option 2 

Playspace Option 2 detail

Playspace Option 2 detail

 

 

Playspace Option 2 detail

Playspace Option 2 detail

 

 

Playspace Option 2 floorplan

 

Picnic Shelter Option 2

Picnic shelter 2