Photo: Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting, Cr Moninder Singh, Blacktown City Lions Club members and Workers Lifestyle Group’s Simon Graham.
Children have a new attraction to spin until they are dizzy at the award-winning Wawai Ngurra Inclusive Adventure Playspace at Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside.
A carousel, which includes a seat so children of all abilities can enjoy the fun, was installed after Blacktown City Lions Club members proposed the community project. The members raised money, and Blacktown City Council and Workers Lifestyle Group also contributed.
Children have taken enthusiastically to the orbital in a playground that includes all access swings, slides, musical items, a trampoline, sand table, quiet places, sculptures and more.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the new installation was popular.
“Children of all abilities can experience the thrill of spinning on the orbital,” he said.
“Providing facilities for people of all abilities is the same principle that guided the design of the Wawai Ngurra Inclusive Adventure Playspace.”
Named after the Aboriginal phrase meaning “river monster country”, the venue opened in 2023 to provide accessible outdoor recreation for everyone.
Mayor Bunting said playtime should be enjoyed by children regardless of their ability, and Council was working to use these ideas for other playgrounds.
He thanked the Lions and Workers Lifestyle Group for the contribution.
“The people in these clubs have demonstrated what being part of community is all about – thinking of those less fortunate,” he said.
“I am grateful for the strong relationship between Council, Lions and Workers, which has helped us achieve more.”
The installation comes as Council and project partner Aecom won the NSW Landscape Architecture Award (playspaces) from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects in June.
Wawai Ngurra was the first playspace in Blacktown City to have communication boards for non-verbal visitors. Braille symbols and a tactile wayfinding map help people who are visually impaired.
Project partners included the Greater Sydney Landcare Network, NSW Government, Livvi’s Place and Variety.
