Upgraded playgrounds at Church Street Reserve and Frank Mason Reserve in South Windsor have officially opened, marking a significant boost to accessible recreation in the Hawkesbury during the school holiday period.
The works were delivered through a combined $600,000 investment, including $500,000 from the Australian Government’s Investing in Our Communities Program and $100,000 from Hawkesbury City Council. The funding has transformed both sites into more inclusive, modern play spaces designed to cater to children and families of all abilities.
Local families turned out in large numbers to celebrate the openings, with community festivities adding to the holiday atmosphere. Activities such as kite-making, bubble play, and face painting were complemented by free doughnuts and ice cream, creating a lively setting as residents explored the new facilities.
The official openings were marked by the attendance of Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman MP, Hawkesbury Mayor Councillor Les Sheather and Councillors Mary Lyons-Buckett, Amanda Kotlash, Peter Ryan and Paul Veigel, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the upgrades.
The project reflects long-standing community advocacy for inclusive play spaces, particularly for children with disabilities, and continues broader efforts to ensure public parks across the region are welcoming and accessible to all residents.
At Frank Mason Reserve, the new playground features a double swing set with a basket swing, a multi-play unit offering slides and climbing elements, a mini spinner and a single-seat rocker. The area is sheltered by a shade sail and supported by new seating, bins and landscaping, all connected by accessible pathways from surrounding streets.
Church Street Reserve has also undergone extensive improvements, including upgraded pathways, new and enhanced park furniture with wheelchair-accessible picnic settings, accessible water bubblers, an improved spinner, additional shade sails and new mouse house play equipment.
Together, the upgrades have delivered two refreshed community spaces that prioritise accessibility, inclusion and enjoyment, reinforcing South Windsor’s parks as key gathering places for families across the Hawkesbury.