Construction underway for next stage of Town Beach playground upgrade

The first phase of the playground upgrade is proving popular with a new asphalt scooter pump track and a connecting 1.8 metre-wide concrete footpath.

The next phase includes additional accessible bench seating around the play area, a new stingray sculpture, and a "roto tunnel" with surrounding rubber soft fall.

A new shade canopy over the swing area will help protect those enjoying the space from the sun.

Mother-of-two Kirsty Fraser said shade was very good for children while they were playing.

She said there needed to be more water play features in playgrounds.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is looking at how a water play option might be incorporated at another suitable playground down the track.

Mayor Peta Pinson commented on the great work happening right across the region in providing inclusive play spaces.

"Town Beach is one of our most popular places to visit for families, and with the skate park, cafe, amenities and beach all close by this is a wonderful place to relax, take in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the great outdoors," she said.

"We have also heard from our community about the desire to have an option of water play and we are currently looking at how this might occur at another suitable playground location in the future."

The Town Beach inclusive playspace is a $645,000 project with $200,000 from the state government through an Everyone Can Play Grant and $445,000 provided by the council.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said any improvements to children's playgrounds were very welcome, especially with Town Beach as a backdrop.

"Encouraging young children to be physically active, using their imagination and interacting with other youngsters is important for their development," she said.

"I am looking forward to seeing the playground and the smiling faces of the children when it is finished, hopefully in time for the April school holidays."

The upgrades are expected to be completed in time for Easter.

The scooter pump track and accessible swing remain open during the construction phase.

The other playground areas are fenced off.

More information about the playground upgrade is available on the council's website.

What else is making news?

While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here