New playground and outdoor fitness station unveiled in Shoalhaven

Today’s official opening by Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley of the new Moona Moona Creek Playground at Huskisson follows Council’s unveiling of the new outdoor exercise station in Marriott Park, Nowra on Friday.

The new Moona Moona Creek Playground is fully funded by Shoalhaven City Council with the $120,000 installation cost having come from Council’s Playground Replacement Fund.

A key feature of this playground that sets it apart from others is the installation of a shade sail.

Mayor Findley hopes the new equipment will better meet the needs and desires of the community and will encourage families to spend longer periods enjoying the outdoors all year round.

"Activities children can enjoy in the new playground that weren’t available previously include a basket swing, spinner, a climbing cube and a see saw.

“It is great that the playground provides important protection from the summer sun, along with the natural shade in other areas of the park, which hopefully will enable users to stay and play longer during the warmer months.

"The playground is located close to picnic/BBQ facilities and a public toilet, providing families with a days’ worth of free play in one location.

Mayor Findley adds “Moona Moona Creek is a lovely estuary beach with crystal clear water and wide shallow sandy areas that are perfect for small kids to explore. It is great to see residents and visitors have a wonderful precinct for families to spend the day or even a weekend.”

Prior to replacing the playground, Council consulted with the community in April to inform the design of and equipment at the playground. Final designs were also assessed against an industry best practice guide.

Shoalhaven City Council also opened a new outdoor exercise station in Marriott Park, Nowra on 4th December.

The completed project cost of $76,500 was fully funded by the NSW State Government, with the $139,750 grant also funding the installation of the outdoor gym at Callala Beach in 2019.  

Mayor Findley advised “it is wonderful to see State Government investment in infrastructure to promote physical activity and social connection in regional areas. 

“The new facility will allow park users to participate in strength and cardiovascular training when visiting the park. This equipment promotes better posture, improved balance and greater flexibility, and can be utilised free of charge at any time of the day. 

“We do recommend that you wash your hands and wipe down the equipment before and after you use it. Council is cleaning outdoor exercise equipment and playgrounds regularly in line with public health orders during the COVID pandemic.

“The exercise station is the first of a number of planned improvements outlined in the Marriott Park Master Plan to make the park a more attractive space to visit.”

Image top: Local residents join the official opening of Moona Moona Creek playground. L to R Stephen Murphy, Huskisson Wollamia Community Voice, Liz Tooley Secretary of Vincentia Matters, Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley, Anna Everts, Councillor Mark Kitchener and local resident Tony Lim; and image above: Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley and Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock officially open Shoalhaven City Council's new outdoor exercise station in Marriott Park, Nowra.  Courtesy of shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/