ARMIDALE’S Curtis Park is set for a million-dollar overhaul to attract more visitors if Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Armidale Regional Council have their way.
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The local State MP is getting behind a plan by council to convert a section of Curtis Park into a ‘Regional Playground’ area complete with state-of-the-art play equipment and modern amenities.
“Parks are integral to regional communities, and can make or break a town’s reputation with families,” Mr Marshall said.
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“Having somewhere safe and engaging for children to play is a necessity, and I was thrilled to see Armidale Regional Council develop this proposal for a ‘Super Park’ in the heart of the city.
“Many locals are familiar with the ‘Super Park’ in Tamworth on Kable Avenue. It is always packed, as families and out-of-towners look for somewhere children of all ages can play safely and be entertained for hours.
“This park will embrace that concept, and, in fact, dovetail with plans to revitalise the entire Creeklands area, creating a huge space that will become one of Armidale’s major community assets.”
The plans include dedicated play areas for toddlers, younger children, and school-aged children, as well as a cable playzone, a sand and water zone, musical play equipment, a swing zone, and an open area of parkland for ball sports – all securely fenced.
The play equipment will be housed on close to a kilometre square of soft fall, and include multiple picnic areas and barbecues. A new amenity block will also be fully wheelchair accessible.
The park will also include play equipment that children of all abilities, including those in wheelchairs, can use.
The existing facilities at Curtis Park will be repurposed. The play equipment will be moved to a new location, and the areas updated to house exercise equipment that locals can use to keep fit while enjoying the outdoors.
“This is an exciting project,” Mr Marshall said. “It has been the most requested development, based on community feedback. I am determined to secure the $999,700 required from the State Government to build the Park.
Almost 20 per cent of the population in the Armidale Regional Council local government area is under 15 years of age, and Armidale’s family-friendly and educational credentials make this an attractive place for families to move.
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said a super playground similar to Tamworth’s was a popular request by families during previous consultations with the Armidale community.
“The super playground with a proposed location in Curtis Park will be a wonderful recreational asset for the Armidale region, if we can secure the funding,” Cr Murray said.
“We expect families will come to Armidale from across the region to enjoy the space, and spend quality time with their children.
“The super playground is a key feature of our proposed plans for the Creeklands precinct, and it will be designed to provide a dynamic sensory outdoor space for children to enjoy.”
