Work on the $4.5 million upgrade to Kiama’s Hindmarsh Park has begun, which will see a new playground constructed in the centre of town.

The NSW State Government awarded Kiama Council $3 million in 2022 to build a unique playground in Hindmarsh Park, as well as outdoor amenities and furniture and better landscaping. Council received a further $1 million from the fund in February 2023 so the Orry Kelly Stage can also receive a facelift.

Growth Civil Landscapes Pty Ltd was selected for landscaping and to install the new playground, while the new equipment will be supplied by Proludic Pty Ltd, which Council says will be adapted to suit the park’s requirements.

The project will be carried out in three stages, the first being upgrades to the footpaths on Collins Street. The next stage, expected to take place from February to April, will upgrade the Orry Kelly Stage with a new shade structure, and finally the new play equipment, pathways and gardens will be completed from April to September. The entire project is expected to wrap up by September 2024.

Here's what you can expect the new play equipment to look like

You can see Kiama Council’s full plans for Hindmarsh Park here. 

NSW Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said the upgrades will focus on nature, including native plants and open, green spaces.

“Hindmarsh Park is one of the many ‘jewels in the crown’ of our local Kiama township and I am delighted that this public open green space is being made an even better public open green space for our local families and young people to enjoy,” said Ward.

“Having fought hard to secure funding from the previous State Government, I am so pleased that this upgrade will deliver on the following community priorities for Hindmarsh Park.”

Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly said the revitalised Hindmarsh Park was just one of the exciting changes to the Kiama CBD that residents can expect in the coming years.

“I’m excited to see the Hindmarsh Park upgrade move into the construction phase and thank our Kiama Council staff and contractors for their perseverance getting this important project through the challenging but crucial design, consultation and planning stages,” said Mayor Reilly.

“I also thank Gareth Ward for his advocacy for this project, and the NSW Government for their strong support, especially the significant funding being invested.”

The current play equipment will remain open until upgrades start in April.