Shoalhaven prepared for summer season with installations of new playground, picnic shelters and seating

Shoalhaven City Council has recently replaced the playground at Mick Ryan Reserve, Milton while also installing picnic shelters and seating at four locations in time for the Summer holiday season.

Fully funded by Shoalhaven City Council, the $130,000 cost to install the new playground has come from Council’s Playground Replacement Fund.

Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley hopes the new equipment will add to the attraction of the Milton park that is often referred to as the 'Big Tree Park', for the large fig tree located near the playground. Believed to be around 190 years old, the fig tree is approximately 10 metres tall and has a spread of 38 metres. 

Mayor Findley notes "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. The tree is also favourite play area for children with many climbable branches to ground level and hide-and-seek spots around its huge, buttressed trunk. The tree is in very good health and is listed on the National Register of Big Trees.

“The new playground also has a shade sail which means both the playground and the tree can be enjoyed in the warmer months of the year.

“Council purchased Mick Ryan Park in the 1960s from a dairy farmer named Mick Ryan in order to preserve the lovely old fig tree and ensure a parcel of grassed land would be kept for future generations to enjoy. It is great to see nearly six decades on, residents and visitors have a wonderful precinct for families to spend the day or even a weekend.”

Mindful of the Summer holiday season Shoalhaven City Council has also installed picnic shelters and seating at Paul Bland Reserve, Sanctuary Point; Crookhaven Headland, Culburra; Warrain Crescent, Currarong, and Mark Radium Park, Berry.

The $53,174 installation cost has been funded by a grant from the NSW Government with Mayor Findley adding “I’m grateful for the State Government’s assistance to improve community facilities for residents and visitors. Outdoor social gatherings are a great way to connect with friends and family, particularly while we still need to be COVIDSafe.

“Shaded picnic tables are sought after locations this time of year as protection from the midday sun is vital. Council is committed to providing facilities that enhance the community’s ability to enjoy the natural beauty, sparkling beaches, beautiful headlands and tranquil waterways our region is known for. 

“Council reserves are ideal locations for family fun days and activities, BBQ’s, gatherings and celebrations. Each shelter provides an inclusive meal location with even concrete paths and surfaces that are wheelchair or walking frame friendly.”

Image top: Local residents with Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley cutting the ribbon at opening of playground at Mick Ryan Park; Image above: Crookhaven Headland picnic shelter and seating