FINAL touches are being made to the new inclusive playground at Hamilton's historic Gregson Park which is expected to open up just in time for the September school holidays.
The $3.5-million playground features a range of accessible and nature-based play options, with traditional Indigenous elements, including a yarning circle to encourage knowledge sharing and a bush-tucker garden to enrich learning of native edible plants.
Kids will be excited to test out the six metre-high climbing tower, trampolines, a balancing obstacle course, slides and a rope and rock-climbing element.
There's also a seesaw rocker, swing set and sandpit with a water feature and an accessible carousel and whizzers.
Hamilton Community Preschool director Narelle Jackson said as regular visitors to the popular parkland, the preschool has been a strong advocate of the upgrade.
"When the preschool heard of the new playspace we invited the children to sketch their dream playground, which we then shared with City of Newcastle as inspiration," she said.
From building developments and parks to waste disposal, local councils are responsible for making decisions that have significant impacts on their community.
The submissions led to representatives from the community and recreation team visiting the preschool to share with the children and educators how the space could be improved.
"The preschoolers have continued to document the progress of the upgrade and have captured it all in a book with the assistance of an educator to share with their families," she said.
"We have loved being brought along for the journey and are all very eager to utilise the new space and watch the kids play and explore."
The upgrade features additional shade, formal and informal seating and footbridges, complemented by an upgraded, accessible amenities building and new covered picnic area.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to delivering accessible infrastructure for everyday activities, including creating more inclusive play spaces in our parks.
"We're proud to have worked closely with the community, including First Nations Australians and Hamilton Community Preschool, to design this fantastic multimillion-dollar upgrade at Gregson Park and I can't wait to welcome everyone back into the space later this month," she said.
The Gregson Park project supports a key objective in City of Newcastle's Disability and Inclusion Action Plan to create and contribute to liveable and accessible public places, with the project delivering inclusive play features and a design that promotes greater interaction between all children.
The official opening of the park will be celebrated with a family-friendly event in October.
