Council opens upgraded playground

Newcastle City Council will officially open a new $200,000 children's playground in Tarro tomorrow to help strengthen the bodies and minds of local kids.

Part of Council's playground renewal program, Tarro Reserve's new-look play facility features a 25-metre-long double platform flying fox and a giant swing.

Net climbers, a boulder wall, simulated swamp crossing and rope-bridge complete the $196,000 upgrade that was part funded by a $23,000 Community Building Partnership Grant from the state electorate of Wallsend.

"We're very much looking forward to opening this new addition to Tarro Reserve tomorrow," Council's Interim CEO, Jeremy Bath, said.

"This upgraded playground will help bring local children and families together in a fun environment that supports social interaction and active living."

Newcastle City Council allocated $1.8 million for playground renewal and maintenance in the last financial year and has budgeted $2.22 million for 2017/18.

At least three playgrounds within the Newcastle local government area are renewed each financial year.

The 2017-2018 replacement program includes four:

• Bull and Tourle Street Reserve, Mayfield West
• Grahame Park, Carrington
• Smith Park, Hamilton North, and
• Wallsend Park, Wallsend.

Members of Newcastle City Council's community engagement team will be on hand in Tarro Reserve to hear what locals and visitors would like to see in Newcastle over the next 10 years.

Following strong feedback from the Wallsend community at last weekend's Winter Fair, tomorrow's engagement will help council update its community strategic plan.

"I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the community to join us tomorrow to celebrate the official opening of the playground," Mr Bath said.

"It will also be a great chance to visit our marquee to have your say as we want to get as many views as possible on the future of our city in order to shape our plans."

Date: Saturday 19 August 2017

Time: 10am to 12pm

Location: Tarro Reserve, off Anderson Drive, Tarro (near the netball courts).