New playground at popular Jacka Park one of many completed on Sydney’s Northern Beaches

A new playground at popular Jacka Park in Freshwater is one of many playground projects completed on Sydney’s Northern Beaches over recent years.

Highlights of the new playground include:

• an inclusive toddler play area designed for little explorers

• Junior nature-themed play structure with platforms and slide

• senior play structure with adventurous climbing for older kids

• a new swing set with a basket swing, standard swing, and high-backed seat

• natural elements including sandstone boulders for climbing

• upgraded paths and seating

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan noted “we are continuing to upgrade and improve open spaces and playgrounds right across the Northern Beaches, to ensure they are fun, safe, and accessible for all children.

“Jacka Park has always been a popular meeting spot for local families, a fun play space for kids of all ages, and a great venue for kids’ parties and picnics.

“This much-loved park is now even better, with a brand-new playground fitting for this beautiful, green open space.”

The design of the new playground was inspired by local history and the flora and fauna that once flourished in the area.

Jacka Park was once known as Mrs Jacka’s Garden. In 1917, local war widow, Blanche Jacka, was granted use of the land opposite her home in Wyndora Avenue to make a public garden.

In June 1978, Council voted to develop Jacka Park as an open space and children’s play area.

The War Memorial at Jacka Park was dedicated in Feb 1985 and the ‘Wall of Remembrance’ was unveiled ten years later. The first playground was installed in 1988 and later upgraded in 2006.

The current park upgrade follows community consultation on the concept designs in which the community was overwhelmingly supportive of an upgrade to the playground.

Northern Beaches Council manages 217 public playgrounds, with an additional seven planned.