We’re always on the lookout for new places to take our kids to play, so were very excited to hear that Ku-ring-gai Council is investing $2.25 million into a brand new playground at St Ives Showgrounds. Works are currently underway, and it’s due to be completed some time in 2020.
Dec 2020 update: St Ives Showground Playground is now open! Click here for all the details.
We’re super excited to learn about the plans for this brand new playground for St Ives Showgrounds… it’s a nature-based playground and aimed at kids of all ages… from crawlers right through to Primary School-aged children, and will offer inclusive play for children of all abilities.
Set within the remnant edge of Duffy’s Forest bushland, the existing playground equipment will be replaced with a range of play equipment and nature-play experiences for all ages and abilities.
It is being designed to blend with St Ives Showground’s character, referencing its cultural history and indigenous vegetation.
The existing playground will be removed and completely replaced.
Younger children’s play area (6 years and under)
Designed specifically for this age group, this area offers a variety of play opportunities including:
- Cubby houses
- Low slide
- Junior swings
- Spinning carousel
- Rocker
- Shop nooks
- Imaginative farm & showground
Older children’s play area (6 years and older)
Fun and challenge are encouraged with:
- Rope climbing
- High slides
- Elevated enclosed rope walkways
- Double flying fox
- Giant birds nest swing
Looking through the fence at development of the new playground at St Ives Showground. May 2020.
Fully fenced
As parents of “runners”, we’re delighted to hear that this playground will be fully fenced with see-through fences to a minimum height of 1.2m high.
Shade
The site is well shaded by existing mature trees with play areas integrated among them. Additional trees will be planted to maintain the forest character, within the constraints of bushfire management, and shade structures will be provided at key locations.
Nature Play
Nature play areas will include logs, timber, boulders, a stone sculpture and other materials intermingled with plants, providing children opportunities for imaginative play. There will also be quiet places and a variety of sensory play opportunities.
Accessibility
Accessible parking and pathways will provide easy links between the new playground and surrounding parkland and toilets.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson said the playground was part of a bigger plan by the Council to incrementally improve facilities at St Ives Showground. She says, “We have an overall vision for the Showground and the Wildflower Garden to become recognised destinations for local residents, short-term visitors from around Sydney and elsewhere and having a top-quality playground is an important part of that. It’s also another way to help families enjoy an active lifestyle in our local area.”
Dec 2020 update: St Ives Showground Playground is now open! Click here for all the details.
Location
St Ives Showgrounds is located at 450 Mona Vale Road, St Ives.
Other brilliant playgrounds to explore
