Local children are in for a treat with Hindmarsh Park set to be transformed into a regional destination playspace.

$3 million is to be spent on the project over the next two years, with the money coming from the State Government’s NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.

The Program was set up as a carrot for local councils to improve DA processing times.

“Having met the requirements of the first part of the program, Council now qualifies for the first payment to design the project,” says Jessica Rippon, Director Environmental Services.

Council is at the stage of seeking to engage a landscape consultant to start preparing the designs.

Once that process is completed, it will go to a broad public consultation.

The parents of Elsie Blackburn say they don’t use Hindmarsh Park during summer.

“We go to Surf Beach because of the shade. The new one at Shellharbour Village is great.”

They think flying foxes would be a popular addition.

For Coral Bryant’s mum, Brit, making it accessible to everyone will be the key.

“I know they have done a new one in Braidwood recently that is just crazy,” she says.

“It needs to be for all ages and all abilities.”

She thinks turntables are something that should be included, and that shade is a must.

Destination Kiama sees the potential of the already popular park as a regional destination for families, and is keen to be involved with its planning.

Councillor Neil Reilly is very pleased that a rocket will be considered as part of the project, something that the Director of Engineering & Works confirmed at the last Council meeting.

“I first raised the idea of bringing back the rocket in 2018, as a bit of nostalgia combined with providing some adventure play,” he says.

“With $3 million they will be able to include plenty of other fabulous things with it.”

In its submission to the Public Spaces Legacy Program, Kiama asked for: Upgrades to Hindmarsh Park including a new and accessible regional destination playspace and other enhancements such as shade elements, picnic shelters, tables, BBQs and water fountains.

For an idea of what is possible, check out the soon to be opened first stage of the Boongaree Adventure Playground in Berry. The Berry Rotary Club has been given $4.5 million for the three stage project.This is just one section of the first stage.

All of this needs to be provided in the context of the planned Kiama Arts Complex, on the site encompassing the Old Fire Station Gallery and the former ambulance station (which has been acquired by Council), and the traditional use of the Park for festivals and events.

The need for an upgrade of the Hindmarsh Park facility was confirmed by an online survey conducted by the Labor for Kiama Council team. With hundreds of responses from families across the LGA already, the major call is to upgrade the flagship playspace in Hindmarsh Park and for playgrounds across the region to be more accessible, better shaded and more engaging.

“Our community has identified the need to have playgrounds that are more engaging and that include more interesting features like sensory equipment, as well as the need to improve access for children who have disabilities,” says candidate Imogen Draisma.

A number of public spaces and playgrounds were identified by the community as needing urgent upgrades – in particular the playground in Hindmarsh Park, the Kiama Skatepark and the one at Illuka Reserve, which still has wood chips rather than a softfall rubber base.