Blaxland’s new inclusive playground nearly complete

A 2019 election commitment from the Morrison Government to deliver another inclusive playground in the Blue Mountains is almost complete. 

$500,000 in federal funding is being invested at St John's Park Blaxland to provide a comprehensive upgrade of the existing playground, which includes the provision of a new 'expression seat' which will allow an adult carer to play alongside a child on the existing swing set. 

Other features include a new mammoth swing, accessible carousel, voice tube, garden chimes, an arch bridge, and a boat seat. New landscaping, picnic areas, accessible parking spaces and connected pathways, fencing near the road, and a new accessible toilet block are also part of the upgrade. 

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said making St John’s more inclusive had been made possible with support from the Morrison Government.

"This significant project is just another example of how our government is working with the Blue Mountains community to improve our public spaces while also driving our economic recovery by creating local jobs," Senator Payne said.

"People of all abilities should be able to enjoy St John's and this project is about making our community more inclusive for everyone."

Liberal Cr Brendan Christie said local families were looking forward to using the new playground.

“I’ve been approached by many parents who are chomping at the bit to try this new inclusive playground with their kids, so it’s very exciting that we’re almost at the finish line,” Cr Christie said. 

“The addition of the accessible toilets nearby really brings this upgrade into a league of its own as it's something locals have been crying out for."

The proponent for this project is Blue Mountains City Council, with construction expected to be finished by mid-February. 

Under the Western Sydney City Deal, the Morrison Government has also provided funding to Council to improve accessibility at four district parks, including Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park, Wentworth Falls Lake Park, Springwood’s Buttenshaw Park, and Glenbrook Park.