Student-designed playground opens in Penrith

July 8, 2020

A recently opened playground, installed by Penrith Council at Brian King Reserve in Oxley Park, was co-designed by the creative minds of students from Oxley Park Public School.

Students from years 5 and 6 at Oxley Park Public School co-designed the new playground as part of Penrith Council’s 2019 Penrith Mayoral Challenge program.

The playground now includes refurbished play equipment, new accessible play equipment, softfall surface, a bike track, accessible pathways, picnic shelter, park furniture and shade sails over the playspace.

The Penrith Mayoral Challenge is an annual program led by Council’s Neighbourhood Renewal team who work closely with local young people to design and build new playgrounds.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said the program, which is now in its sixth successful year, demonstrates how involving young people in the design of public spaces can have great outcomes.

Mayor Fowler notes “each year I’m amazed at the quality of ideas and suggestions that come from young students, and it’s wonderful to see them showing such interest and enthusiasm for improving facilities in their local area.

“The Penrith Mayoral Challenge focuses on building leadership, inclusive design, and engaging the community and the result is a new playground that everyone can enjoy. It’s a fantastic outcome for students and the community, and Council is proud to be part of it.”

This work completes Stage One of the Brian King Reserve upgrade, funded by Penrith Council. Stage Two will commence later this year after Council was successful in receiving grant funding from the NSW Government. Stage Two works funded by Everyone Can Play will include the installation of new outdoor fitness equipment, accessible pathways and new trees. Everyone Can Play is a commitment by the NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to create better and more inclusive playspaces across NSW.

In addition, funding from the NSW Community Building Partnership will enable the delivery of a new fence, handball court, pathways and fitness stations.

Council will host a community celebration once all works are finalised to launch the new playground and thank its fantastic young designers.

For further information please visit penrith.city/playspace-upgrades

Images top: The new playspace at Brian King Park was co-designed with students from Oxley Park Public School and image above: Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler and Oxley Park Public School students who visited Penrith City Council as part of the 2019 Penrith Mayoral Challenge.

25th June 2020 - Everyone Can Play Grant helps fund Penrith’s playspace upgrades

24th January 2020 - Penrith Council seeks community input for Regatta Park playground design

13th February 2019 - Funding delivers upgrades to Penrith recreational and play facilities

14th May 2020 - Bega Valley Shire Council delivers new imaginative playgrounds

5th May 2020 - Adelaide Hills Council reopens playgrounds and recreation facilities

19th April 2020 - Wagga Wagga Riverside rejuvenation to include event spaces and adventure playgrounds

17th November 2019 - Auckland Council secures awards for parks and playgrounds excellence

14th October 2019 - Wellington City Council consultation sees playgrounds transition to play spaces

11th April 2019 - Upgrades commence on Blacktown playgrounds

4th April 2019 - Upgrades announced for Darwin playgrounds

9th April 2018 - NSW Government reveals $290 million funding for open spaces and playgrounds

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