New version of Moon Rocket play equipment to be included in Waverley Park upgrade

Waverley Council’s upgrade of Waverley Park will see the come-back of the Moon Rocket slippery dip with the park’s original 1960s moon rocket being replaced by a sleek new version complete with a launch control play tower and futuristic-shaped slide.

Original playground Moon Rockets were installed across Australia in the 1960s, many with the support of local Rotary Clubs, following the successful installation of the first rocket in Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park based on plans developed by John Yeaman for the Blue Mountains City Council.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos notes “our new rocket and launch tower is set to spark joy in a new generation and harks back to a time before electronic gaming devices when imaginative play ruled and hopes and inspiration for future professions.”

Waverley Park is one of the largest sporting and recreational areas in Waverley and provides a much-needed green space for local families and visitors alike.

It is also a thoroughfare for pedestrians and bike riders travelling between Bondi, Waverley and Bondi Junction.

“Access and inclusion is at the heart of the design for both the play space and fitness station and reflects the community’s feedback during the consultation process” Mayor Masselos added.

“Diverse age groups and abilities were taken into account so everyone can enjoy the new facilities.”

Council’s park upgrade works are scheduled to start on Tuesday 28th February across three key projects:

• Play space expansion and upgrade

• Fitness station relocation and upgrade

• Pathway lighting replacement

The play space upgrade includes:

• 2 x embankment slides

• Rope climbs for teens

• New seats and picnic tables across the playground

• Nature and adventure play areas

• Musical play

• Active play areas (swings, spinners and see-saw with accessible and inclusive options)

• Toddler play area

• Water play

The design was informed by community feedback collected across two rounds of consultation and achieves Waverley's vision to upgrade the park to a district level play space catering to all visitors as identified in Waverley Council’s Play Space Strategy, Inclusive Play Space Study and the Waverley Park Plan of Management.

The existing fitness station will be relocated to a flat area shaded by large trees off Park Parade. It will have compact, multi-use equipment suitable for cross training, strength training with body weight and cardio exercise for people of various fitness levels.

The Council is also upgrading park lighting and landscaping.

Image: An artist's impression of the new rocket and launch tower set to touchdown in Waverley Park.