City of Newcastle has revealed plans to increase Newcastle’s Foreshore playspace eightfold and is calling on the community for feedback.
Concept designs feature a playground the size of eight basketball courts and an Indigenous heritage waterplay area.
The concept has been developed based on consultation with the community over the past year and includes community gardens, open areas for children to skate, scoot and splash.
The upgrades will also better equip the city to host a range of major entertainment events.
The proposed ‘Variety Livvi’s Place’ playspace will be delivered in partnership with Variety the Children’s Charity, bolstered by $500,000 from the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.
The design will include a cultural heritage walk that provides the opportunities to tell both Awabakal stories like Mulubinba, the place of many sea ferns, and Awabakal canoe hunting on the harbour.
It will also recognise stories since 1880 and the redevelopment of Newcastle as we know it.
These stories are intended to replace the 1988 pond which represented the original fresh water source and one of three man-made wells known as ‘The Frog Pond’.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says council has consulted Indigenous stakeholders on the key heritage elements of the concept, which is strongly supported by Luke Russell from Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
“I’m really pleased there is a significant increase in the representation of Guuri culture in the Foreshore Park concept with the plan reflecting equal parts Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage,” Mr Russell said.
“Now more than ever, we value our open spaces and parks, and this project… will transform the Harbour Foreshore into a more inviting recreational space and major event venue for everyone to enjoy,” Cr Nelmes said.
Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, who sits on the Foreshore Park Community Reference Group said the level of community feedback already received has been fantastic, and has encouraged all Novocastrians to now have their say about City of Newcastle’s plans.
“I encourage community members to view the designs which pay tribute to Newcastle’s history, culture and environment, as well as the origins of trade and exchange in the city, and provide feedback via our online mapping tool, or in person at a drop-in session,” Cr Clausen said.
The community can view the concept and have their say on council’s website until 26 February.
