Kingswood Park students celebrate opening of new playspace

Wednesday, 13 December 2023

Penrith City Council joined Kingswood Park Public School students to celebrate the opening of the new playspace in Illawong Avenue Reserve this week.

The fenced playspace features a multi-play unit with two slides, various climbing equipment, bridge and play shop front.

A swing set with three swings, rocker, picnic table, bench seating, water bubbler and pathways were also installed, and the existing yarning circle was retained to maintain a sense of place and belonging.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney thanked the students for their efforts in helping to design the playspace.

“It’s fantastic to see so many students running around and having fun in their new playspace,” Cr Carney said.

“They should all be very proud knowing that not only have they helped to create a space that they can enjoy, but will also be used by many other children for years to come.”

Students took part in a workshop last year to share their ideas for the design of the playspace, which sits across from the school, and the wider community were also consulted to ensure the final design reflected the needs of residents and their children.

This project was a commitment in the Kingswood Park Community Action Plan 2019-2022 to improve local public amenity.

It was funded by Council and the NSW Government who contributed $50,000 through the Community Building Partnership program.

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM MP said the well-loved playspace would become even more popular thanks to the upgrade.

“I’m proud that we’ve been able to deliver a welcoming and modern space which children of all ages can enjoy.” McKeown said.

The delivery of this project is part of Council’s commitment to upgrading 40 playspaces across the Local Government Area between 2019-2024, with 32 playspaces now renewed.

You can find your nearest local playspace at: penrith.city/playspaces

Photo captions:
Illawong Avenue Reserve #1 (L-R): Kingswood Park Public School Principal Emma Snell, Councillor Karen McKeown Member for Penrith OAM, Year 5 students Emelia Corby and Thomas Tawdrous, Penrith Mayor Todd Carney.
Illawong Avenue Reserve #2 (L-R): Kingswood Park Public School student Emelia Corby with Principal Emma Snell, Penrith Mayor Todd Carney and Councillor Karen McKeown Member for Penrith OAM check out the revamped playspace at Illawong Avenue Reserve.
Illawong Avenue Reserve #3: the new multi-play unit with slides and climbing equipment, and rocker in the upgraded Illawong Avenue Reserve playspace.
Illawong Avenue Reserve #4: new swing set and play equipment in the upgraded Illawong Avenue Reserve playspace

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 13 December 2023.