We're planning a new playground for Manilla's Chaffey Park.

In April last year we adopted a master plan for Chaffey Park. Part of the master plan was an expansion of the playground. This will be the first project delivered from the master plan.

The new playground is being funded by the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, with the funding being used to upgrade and extend the current playground to make it a safe space for all ages.

The work will involve the installation of new playground equipment under the cover of new shade sails and beautification of the riverbank which was identified as a priority during recent community consultations. This will include bollards to direct and limit the vehicle traffic at the river bank which is creating erosion problems and safety issues.

Following the recent installation of new shade sails at the park, we are excited to say that installation of the playground begins on 1 November, and is expected to be complete by the end of November.

We want to thank the community for being so patient given the extensive COVID-19 related delays with the installation of the new playground at Chaffey Park.

The new design includes a four metre activity net, smaller climbing structure, rope spinner, four bay swing, car rocker, gears panel and play hut as well as a playpark system including a step bridge and two slides.

In response to community feedback received, two additional inclusive swings have been added to the winning design to ensure Manilla’s disabled community is also able to enjoy the new play equipment.

The playground designers provided three playground design options and asked the community to vote and tell us their preference.

Community consultation ran from 4 March through to 25 March, 2021. Thank you to everyone that voted and the primary school children for letting us into your classrooms to collect votes.

Including the online votes and votes collected at the Primary Schools there was a total of 1,400 votes with Option number 2 the winning design!