Canberra's latest playground has earned a tick of approval from local children, who flocked to climb, slide, spin and jump at the $3 million park.
Maliyan Park on Aspinall Street in North Watson, which opened on Saturday, will make older Canberrans jealous.
With floor trampolines, climbing frames and giant wedge-tailed eagle eggs, it is a far cry from the old-school sticky slippery-dip and swing.
Audrey, 8, and Stirling, 5, loved it so much they could not even pick a favourite piece of equipment.
'Real community hub'
Dad Peter Horne, of Watson, predicts the park would be very popular with families.
"It will hopefully be one of those things that becomes a real community hub," he said on Sunday.
"Because there are so many people with young kids [in the area], it's a natural spot to go."
He said the playground needed a few more amenities, like shade and toilets.
"It's an eternal frustration for parents when there are no toilets and it definitely narrows our playground choices," he said.
The unfenced park is also located next to a busy road with limited parking and no pedestrian crossing.
It is located within walking distance of most Watson homes, the government said.
"New walking and cycling connections to the park and through to the Federal Highway will encourage people to walk or cycle to the park," the ACT government says on a website.
Chiara Rattenbury chased toddlers Sebastian, 1, and Steven, 3, as they zoomed around the park.
"We've been very excited. We've been driving past and seeing all the excavators and Steven has been very excited," she said.
"It's good to have a place to burn energy [close by]."
Ms Rattenbury particularly liked the parent and child swing, which allowed her to have both boys on the same swing.
Celebrates Ngunnawal culture
The park is also designed to celebrate Ngunnawal culture, featuring artworks and culturally important native plants.
The centrepiece is a Maliyan (wedge-tailed eagle) structure designed by Ngunnawal artist Lynnice Church.
The playground will allow families to learn more about Ngunnawal culture, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said.
"Maliyan Park is a reminder that the history of our region stretches back for millennia and a practical example of reconciliation in action," she said.
The government committed to keeping trees on the perimeter of the block following community uproar. They originally planned to cut down 440 trees.
"The existing trees surrounding the site will keep the area cool while providing habitat for endangered wildlife such as the gang-gang cockatoo and the superb parrot," Ms Stephen-Smith said.
Further development
About 200 dwellings - two apartment blocks and 90 townhouses - are planned to be built in the empty space around Maliyan Park.
There will be a four-storey limit.
There are also commercial projects popping up around the north side of Watson.
Nearly half of Watson dwellings had families with children, according to the 2021 census.
Despite an expected population increase the area lacks amenities, Mr Horne said.
"This area is really developing. We're seeing a real influx of people around our age group [with kids] so it feels like it's quite underserviced," he said.
The closest shops and primary school are on the south side of Watson.
Majura Primary School is one of many north Canberra schools expected to face increasing demand in coming years.
The ACT government has committed $51.9 million to expand the school, increasing capacity by 300 places.
Of 906 enrollment spots, 707 are currently filled, according to My School and ACT public school census data.
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