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Having received a $276,631 grant under the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE)’s ‘Everyone Can Play’ program, The Hills Shire Council is planning to transform a vacant site, known as Equinox Drive Reserve, into a more accessible playground for children with a range of abilities.

The funding will also provide for a 2.5metre wide shared pathway through the park with regional connections, concrete pathways, accessible park furniture and landscaping. A basketball shooting circle has also been included to cater for older children and youth.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said this will help ensure everyone living within the local parks’ catchment area will have the opportunity to utilise the equipment.

Mayor Byrne notes "It is my hope that Equinox Drive Reserve will become a favourite destination for our littlest residents and the general community, and that it also becomes a special space where children and young people feel comfortable to just be themselves, let their imaginations run wild and enjoy the equipment, regardless of their abilities.

“I want to thank the DPIE for their contribution towards this project and I look forward to seeing work get underway on this wonderful new facility very soon.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said councils across NSW were sharing in the $7 million pool of funding to construct and upgrade playspaces that ensured inclusivity and added “great public spaces are essential infrastructure for any city or town. These inclusive play spaces will be focal points for communities, where people of all ages and ability can come and play.”

Construction is set to commence on the park and associated playspace later this year.

Image: Hills Shire Mayor Byrne pictured at the future Equinox Drive Reserve park and playspace

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