Hamilton’s Gregson Park Leads City-Wide Playground Renewal Initiative

City of Newcastle is set to welcome children of all ages and abilities to enjoy the newly upgraded playground at Hamilton’s Gregson Park, marking a key milestone in Newcastle Labor’s ambitious playground renewal program. As part of a broader commitment to enhancing outdoor recreational spaces, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen have pledged to expand the initiative to more suburbs across the city.

The significant upgrade at Gregson Park, which will open in time for the September school holidays, integrates features such as a bush tucker garden and yarning circle to promote Indigenous knowledge sharing. The playspace will also include accessible equipment, nature-based play options, and a fitness station, making it a true community hub.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes expressed pride in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle’s parks, noting that $14 million has been invested into nearly 30 playgrounds over the last six Budgets. “Gregson Park’s new playspace is a significant milestone in delivering our vision for inclusive public spaces across Newcastle. Features like carousels, bridges, and pathways will make this a space everyone can enjoy,” said Cr Nelmes.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen echoed this commitment to inclusive play, highlighting that the playground renewal program has led to improvements in more than 35 parks and playgrounds across the city. “This is the most significant renewal of public park infrastructure in our city’s history, and we are committed to delivering more. From regional-scale projects like the new playground at Foreshore Park to suburban upgrades in Maryland, Waratah West, and the next phase at Stevenson Park, Newcastle is set to benefit from these revitalised spaces,” he said.

Stevenson Park in Mayfield West is one such success story. Under Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes’ leadership, the park has undergone a transformation, becoming a hub for local sporting clubs and families. “Working closely with sports user groups and local parents, we’ve developed a masterplan that has turned Stevenson Park into one of the city’s most popular destinations,” said Cr Nelmes. A new phase of upgrades is planned for Stevenson Park’s playspace, with continued engagement from the Friends of Stevenson Park.

As part of the program’s focus on community involvement, local children from preschools and primary schools have been actively engaged in the design of many playgrounds, ensuring that each play space reflects the needs and imaginations of Newcastle’s youngest residents.

The Gregson Park project also supports City of Newcastle’s Disability and Inclusion Action Plan, ensuring liveable and accessible public spaces. The upgraded playspace includes a six-metre-high climbing tower, trampolines, balance courses, softfall mounds, a sandpit with water play, and an accessible carousel. The park’s upgraded seating, shade areas, and picnic spots further enhance its appeal as a family-friendly destination.

City of Newcastle will celebrate the opening of Gregson Park with a family-friendly event in October, inviting the community to come together and enjoy the new facilities.

Newcastle Labor’s commitment to expanding the playground renewal program continues, with plans for new facilities in Tarro, Waratah, Rankin Park, Beresfield, Fletcher, and Adamstown. These investments ensure that every corner of Newcastle is enhanced by quality outdoor spaces that promote play, learning, and community connection.