Upgrades announced for Darwin playgrounds

Six Darwin playgrounds are to receive upgrades over the next six weeks, with the installation of new play equipment and shade structures costing nearly $500,000.

Darwin has more than 110 playgrounds and maintaining these public spaces for the community is a key priority and a significant ongoing investment for City of Darwin.

Announcing the work, Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis stated “Darwin has a very young population and we enjoy a year round outdoor lifestyle. It’s important that City of Darwin provide opportunities for children to play safely."

Local procurement is a cornerstone of City of Darwin’s expenditure policy and all contractors for these works are local. 

Explaining this, Ron Grinsell, General Manager Engineering and City Services for the City of Darwin, stated "the local industry has been able to provide the level of expertise we need to deliver this project to the highest standard."

The six playgrounds receiving a major facelift include:

• Colster Park – Wagaman 
• Freycinet Park – Karama 
• Airlie Park – Brinkin 
• Borella Park – Jingili
• Brian Chong Wee Park – Woolner 
• Armstrong Park – Leanyer.

Works on the playgrounds are expected to be complete by mid May. 

Lord Mayor Vatskalis concluded “the new equipment in our parks meets national standards by providing children with active and free play areas, where they can imagine, create and explore. I encourage the community to enjoy these new facilities."

In the past 12 months, 17 playgrounds have received upgradesin the wake of the significant damage caused by Cyclone Marcus.

Image top: Concept for Freycinet Park, Karama.