Student-designed playground opens in Penrith

A recently opened playground, installed by Penrith Council at Brian King Reserve in Oxley Park, was co-designed by the creative minds of students from Oxley Park Public School.

Students from years 5 and 6 at Oxley Park Public School co-designed the new playground as part of Penrith Council’s 2019 Penrith Mayoral Challenge program.

The playground now includes refurbished play equipment, new accessible play equipment, softfall surface, a bike track, accessible pathways, picnic shelter, park furniture and shade sails over the playspace.

The Penrith Mayoral Challenge is an annual program led by Council’s Neighbourhood Renewal team who work closely with local young people to design and build new playgrounds.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said the program, which is now in its sixth successful year, demonstrates how involving young people in the design of public spaces can have great outcomes.

Mayor Fowler notes “each year I’m amazed at the quality of ideas and suggestions that come from young students, and it’s wonderful to see them showing such interest and enthusiasm for improving facilities in their local area.

“The Penrith Mayoral Challenge focuses on building leadership, inclusive design, and engaging the community and the result is a new playground that everyone can enjoy. It’s a fantastic outcome for students and the community, and Council is proud to be part of it.” 

This work completes Stage One of the Brian King Reserve upgrade, funded by Penrith Council. Stage Two will commence later this year after Council was successful in receiving grant funding from the NSW Government. Stage Two works funded by Everyone Can Play will include the installation of new outdoor fitness equipment, accessible pathways and new trees. Everyone Can Play is a commitment by the NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to create better and more inclusive playspaces across NSW.

In addition, funding from the NSW Community Building Partnership will enable the delivery of a new fence, handball court, pathways and fitness stations.

Council will host a community celebration once all works are finalised to launch the new playground and thank its fantastic young designers.

For further information please visit penrith.city/playspace-upgrades   

Images top: The new playspace at Brian King Park was co-designed with students from Oxley Park Public School and image above: Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler and Oxley Park Public School students who visited Penrith City Council as part of the 2019 Penrith Mayoral Challenge.