Surry Hills playground by kids, for kids
Image: The upgraded playground at Shannon Reserve has opened. Photo: City of Sydney
By ALLISON HORE
A playground designed by kids, for kids will give some of Surry Hills’s youngest residents new opportunities to be active and interact with nature.
The popular playground at Shannon Reserve on Crown Street has reopened after an upgrade based on feedback from local primary school students, community members and a playground consultant.
“This reserve is home to the popular Surry Hills markets and a real social hub for the community, so we’re delighted to improve the space for people who live nearby and for visitors to the area,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
The playground is designed for children from 6 months old to 8 years old and includes a new play structure, swing set and nature play area. Local students helped the City of Sydney to come up with creative new ideas for the playground.
“They told us they like lots of different experiences on the play equipment and the chance to engage with nature, animals, friends and family,” Ms. Moore said.
The new playground was also designed with inclusivity in mind and includes an accessible entry to one side and equipment that children of all abilities can use. Further upgrades to the reserve include a fence around the equipment to keep children safe while they play, new seating, a water station and new paths.
Ms. Moore said the council is “excited” to open the new playground, especially after the COVID-19 situation has highlighted the importance of outdoor public spaces.
“Through the pandemic, as families found themselves locked down and spending more time at home, our playgrounds have been a real solace,” she said.
“I know the period of time we had to keep our playgrounds closed was really tough for some of our youngest residents, so we’re excited to open this brilliant new space for them to enjoy.”
The upgrades were part of a series of upgrades to 11 parks around Sydney’s CBD. The City of Sydney’s long term vision is for more than 60 green spaces, from pocket parks to larger local parks, across the area to be improved.
Upcoming park and playground upgrades include Tote Park in Zetland, Peace Park in Chippendale and Woolloomooloo playground in Woolloomooloo.
