Playground FAQs
Newcastle boasts over 135 playgrounds across the local government area, providing engaging play and recreational spaces for local families. Search to find your local playground.
When is my playground going to be upgraded?
Each year up to five playgrounds are included in Council's annual asset renewal works program. The playgrounds are identified from a biannual playground safety audit undertaken by Council on all of its playground sites across the city. From this safety audit every playground is given a condition rating which determines its priority within our renewal program. All playgrounds are routinely inspected by Council for general maintenance requirements.
If there is damage to any play equipment, please report the location and details of the damage using Council’s online form so it can be inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.
Why aren't all playground fenced?
Council has several fully or partly fenced playgrounds across the LGA, however most playgrounds are not fenced. This can be due to maintenance requirements, the desire to keep the playground connected to nearby open spaces such as courts, kick‑around and picnic areas, and consideration of the overall look and feel of the park.
Fencing is considered on a case-by-case basis as part of CNs playground replacement program.
Fenced playgrounds include;
- Dixon Park Playground, Merewether
- Johnson Park Playground, Lambton
- Coolamin Road Reserve Playground, Waratah
- Fletcher Park Playground, Adamstown
- Pilkington Street Reserve Playground, North Lambton (partially fenced)
- Morpeth Road Reserve Playground, Waratah (partially fenced)
- Coldstream Reserve Playground, Elermore Vale (partially fenced)
Inland pools also include playgrounds which are located within the fenced perimeter. These include;
- Stockton Pool – also shaded
- Wallsend Pool
- Beresfield Pool – also shaded
- Mayfield Pool – also shaded
Why isn’t rubber softfall at every playground?
All of our playground sites have softfall installed to meet Australian standards, including pinebark mulch, sand and rubber, with some playground sites having a combination of all three materials. Rubber softfall material alone is extremely cost prohibitive and is prone to vandalism.
Why aren't shade sails installed at all playgrounds?
Council provides shaded playgrounds at several locations across the LGA and aims to include shade wherever possible. However, shade sails can be vulnerable to vandalism and storm damage, which means they are not always practical or suitable at every site.
Where shade sails are not feasible, Council considers alternative options such as planting suitable shade trees or installing shade shelters close to the playground to help provide relief from the sun.
Fully shaded playgrounds include;
- Gregson Park, Hamilton
- Stevenson Park, Mayfield
- Worth Place Playground, Honeysuckle
- Islington Park, Islington
- Richley Recreation Reserve, New Lambton
- Kurrabung Park, Fletcher
- Kurraka Oval, Fletcher
- Stockton Pool Playground
- Beresfield Pool Playground
- Mayfield Pool Playground
Why are metal slides installed in playgrounds?
Plastics in public spaces are prone to fire and vandalism damage. Metal slides are installed for their durability and design.
Why aren't there toilets at every playground?
The provision of public toilets is determined through needs analysis, the propensity for vandalism and the availability of required utilities. Generally public toilets are provided at higher use parks that contain multiple recreational opportunities. Council has over 100 playgrounds throughout the LGA. Unfortunately, funds are not available to install, maintain and service public toilets for every playground location. To find your nearest public toilet here.
