Children, families and individuals on Sydney’s upper north shore are a step closer to enjoying a brand new, universally designed inclusive playspace, with Minister for Planning and Housing, the Hon Anthony Roberts MP, today announcing additional funding for the project.

The NSW Government’s contribution of $600,000 will go towards the planning, design and construction of an inclusive playspace that will enable surrounding communities to come together and enjoy a rejuvenated Waitara Park.   

Mr Roberts said that the funding for the inclusive playspace demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering more useable and inclusive playspaces for the people of Sydney and NSW.

“This funding is another step towards delivering on the promise that the NSW Government made to work with council and industry to create wonderful places that children, families and individuals can enjoy, close to their homes,” Mr Roberts said. 

“Open space and parks bring many health and social benefits and are often the heart of a community, so it is important that we deliver quality places where communities can come together and enjoy all that NSW has to offer.”

The playspace in Waitara Park will include:

• two separate fenced inclusive playgrounds, one for 2-10 year olds with shade structures and the other for 6-14 year olds with a large tower and slide;
• exercise equipment;
• BBQ facilities and park furniture including shelter and picnic tables and seats; and
• landscaping with new plants and trees.

Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC MP, said the new inclusive playspace would be welcomed by the residents of Sydney’s upper north shore.

“The Government’s $600,000 contribution for the Waitara site is great news for local residents, particularly children and families. I look forward to seeing the community coming together to share in this wonderful new facility,” Mr Henskens said.

The funding is part of the Accelerated Open Space and Parklands Program, implemented by the Office of Open Space and Parklands, which has an initial investment of $6.5 million dedicated to the creation and embellishment of more quality open space and playspaces across NSW.

Commissioner of Open Space and Parklands, Fiona Morrison, said that the new inclusive playspace will align with the draft Everyone Can Play in NSW guidelines released this month, which outline a new commitment for the design of playspaces that will cater to all people.

“The Office of Open Space and Parklands undertook an investigation of playground projects across Sydney and regional NSW to identify key opportunities where investment in open space and parkland facilities could be beneficial to the development and amenity of local communities,” Ms Morrison said.

The $6.5 million has been provided to 12 councils across regional and metropolitan NSW for “shovel ready” play space projects and off leash dog parks to be completed within 12 months.

The draft Everyone Can Play in NSW guidelines are on exhibition for community consultation until 21 September. To view the guidelines and have your say, visit

www.planning.nsw.gov.au/everyonecanplay