New inclusive community playspace opens at Metford

A brand new space to play has opened at Willow Drive, Metford, as part of Maitland City Council’s Capital Works Program, in conjunction with the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play (ECP) program.

The space was specifically designed to be more inclusive of everyone in the community following extensive feedback from residents.

Council secured $65,000 through the ECP program and co-contributed $65,859 which includes new play equipment for all ages and abilities and new pathways from the road to the playspace, that also lead to new accessible picnic seating.

The completed area provides an attractive and enticing space for the community and is complemented by the community art projects presented along the surrounding fences which was undertaken in 2019 and earlier in 2020.

Council’s Operations Manager, Recreation Works, Caine James says ‘it’s fantastic to be able to provide another playspace for the community especially as part of the State Government’s Everyone Can Play program.

‘We thank the members of the community who’s feedback assisted in the design of the playspace, and for those who have already engaged with the area through art projects to create an inviting space that all residents can call their own.’

ECP is a new way of thinking about the way playspaces are planned, designed and managed. Playspaces exist at the heart of our neighbourhoods, and with our society being incredibly diverse comprising of people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds, playspaces should cater for everyone.

For more information regarding the ECP program, visit everyonecanplay.nsw.gov.au