New playground swings into action

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes will cut the ribbon at 10am today on a new $150,000 children's playground in Cooks Hill designed to promote healthy young bodies and minds.

The Centennial Park playground is one of several across the local government area to enjoy an overhaul this year under Council's playground renewal program.

It includes a timber play structure with two slides, a climbing unit, rope swing, spinner and basket swing.

"A priority of mine as Lord Mayor has been to deliver significant upgrades to our park and recreation infrastructure across Newcastle," Councillor Nelmes said.

"We've also got an active hub and urban skate plaza planned for Stockton foreshore and recently committed $1.5 million to creating an adventure playground at Richley Reserve as a part our ongoing commitment to make Blackbutt Reserve one of the Hunter's premier attractions."

Meanwhile, work is expected to finish in coming weeks on a new playground at Tarro Reserve, featuring a giant swing, boulder wall and rope-bridge.

At least three playgrounds within the Newcastle local government area are renewed each financial year to the value of $150,000 each.

The 2017-2018 replacement program includes four at:

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

Cowie Street Reserve in Mayfield was revamped early this year.

These follow the below completed in 2016/17:

• Campbell Park, Merewether
• Webb Park, Mayfield
• Lyall Reserve, Shortland
• Nesca Park, Cooks Hill
• Cowie Street Reserve, Mayfield