IT’S ON LIKE PING PONG IN LAWSON
Lawson is about to POPP with a new Public Outdoor Ping Pong table in the Lawson Town Centre provided by Blue Mountains City Council, in partnership with the Blue Mountains Youth Council and the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre.
An initiative of the Youth Council, the new outdoor weather-proof table tennis table is a first for the Blue Mountains and is on trial for six months.
Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said this is a wonderful initiative of the Youth Council. "Outdoor ping pong is fun way to enjoy a shared public space", he said. "It’s free, easy to play and a safe game for people of all ages and abilities to play. I encourage residents and shop owners and staff to make the most of the ping pong table during the six month trial."
Ward 2 Councillors, Brent Hoare, Romola Hollywood and Chris Van der Kley enjoyed a game in the sunshine with Youth Councillors Brodie Wylde, Delilah Scott, Caitlin Marlor and Ben McGrory, and agreed that the outdoor ping pong table is a real hit! The Councillors were pleased to see the outdoor ping pong table bring the Lawson Town Centre to life.
Youth Councillor, Delilah Scott, said the Youth Councillors were excited to see lots of different people playing. "Outdoor ping pong is a simple and fun way to use a shared space", said Delilah. "You can play for as long or as short a time as you want; you don’t have to be good at it, and it gives people something to do.’
The idea of the outdoor ping pong table was inspired by feedback from young people that more opportunities were needed for social recreation that is outdoors and free.
Interested players can currently borrow bats and balls from the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre or use their own. Options to have the bats and balls available from local businesses that are available at flexible hours are being explored to make the outdoor ping pong table more available
Almost two months into the trial period, the outdoor ping pong table has been very popular with locals of all ages. The Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre act as custodian of the bats and balls, and are helping to raise awareness of the outdoor ping pong table within the Lawson community. By all accounts the equipment is getting returned and people are even buying a bat and ball set to keep in the car so they can play at any time.
Council will consider the future of the outdoor ping pong table after the trial period.
Photo: Ward 2 Councillors, Brent Hoare (left), Romola Hollywood (striped top) and Chris Van der Kley (right) enjoyed a game of outdoor ping pong in the sunshine with Youth Councillors Brodie Wylde, Delilah Scott, Caitlin Marlor and Ben McGrory, and Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre Community Development Worker Danielle Wilding-Forbes (red top).
