Three new "neighbourhood" friendly playgrounds will be built across Orange following a wide-ranging survey conducted by Orange City Council throughout August.
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Over 100 submissions were made following a call-out on council's Your say Orange website to pin-point locations most in need of a playground, with locations in North Orange and spots along Hill Street the finalised parks for new equipement.
Jaeger Reserve, Nelson Park, which is near Namatjira Crescent, and a new park in Webb Street in the north of Orange have been chosen, and Mayor Reg Kidd said he it was pleasing the community had direct input into selecting those locations.
"Council allocated the funds for these projects but it's great to see the community have direct participation in choosing the location for these playgrounds," Cr Kidd said.
"More than 100 people voted for their priority locations during August, and we hope to use this type of direct community participation more and more regularly."
As part of its latest budget, Orange City Council decided to increase its spending on new playground construction for the next two years.
The council will spend $360,000 each year.
... we're aiming for more neighbourhood playgrounds and the best value for money.
- Cr Jason Hamling
Orange City Council's Sport and Recreation Committee Chair Jason Hamling said the funding increase would allow more playgrounds to be built within walking distance of more homes.
"Our main aim is to increase the number of playgrounds available to people so they don't have to get in the car or cross major thoroughfares to get to their nearest playground," Cr Hamling said.
"We're not aiming for large playgrounds, like the adventure playground, we're aiming for more neighbourhood playgrounds and the best value for money."
Cr Hamling said the new playgrounds in those three locations will be similar in size to the recently installed equipment located on the eastern side of Jack Brabham Park, and will have a few add-ons as well.
"The playgrounds we're planning to put in a bench or two, trees and plenty of soft-fall material on the ground," he added.
"Keep an eye out and register on Your Say Orange for the opportunity to have a say on a range of topics and plans for our community."
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