Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Ben Shields and State Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders have officially opened the new inclusive play space within Cameron Park Wellington.
Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) have delivered the play space with funding provided by the NSWGovernment through the Stronger Communities Major Project Fund and the Everyone Can Play Fund.
Mayor of the Dubbo Region Ben Shields said this was an exciting project for the whole community and will attract many people to the Wellington central business district.
“This new play space has already done wonderful things for Wellington’s town centre. The hive of activity in Cameron Park during the recent school holidays was great to see and the feedback from the community has been excellent. I am particularly proud of the inclusiveness of this entire space, not only the play elements, but the accessible path system, drinking fountain and the BBQ facilities,” said Councillor Shields.
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said he was impressed by the careful planning that has gone into this area.
“The staff at DRC have taken extra care to follow the three Everyone Can Play principles – “Can I get there? Can I play? Can I stay?” This entire area is accessible, it’s inclusive for those of all abilities and it’s inviting, with numerous seating options. This area will offer play opportunities for all ages and abilities for many years to come,” Mr Saunders said.
The play space has been designed to accommodate junior and senior play. The space features slides, accessible carousel, swings, climbing elements, cubby house with steppers, fixed game units plus much more! The play space design was chosen by the community after a series of consultation activities including market pop up stalls and an online poll. The winning design was created and implemented by Austek Play.
The area also features a new all accessible amenities facility that includes one (1) accessible unisex booth, two (2) unisex ambulant booths and one (1) changing place facility. The new facility has been located closer to the play space for safety and showcases historical imagery of Cameron Park from the early 1900s.
The jewel in the crown for the entire area is the installation of a life-sized bronze sculpture of a wedge tail eagle, the local Aboriginal totem of the Wiradjuri, Binjang Clan of Wellington. The striking sculpture takes pride of place at the entry of the new play space and was sculpted by local Wongarbon based artist, Brett Mon Garling.
Project Funding:
- Dubbo Regional Council: $275,000
- NSW Government Stronger Communities Fund (Major Projects): $280,000
- NSW Government Everyone Can Play Fund: $193,500
Source: DRC