newy.com.au – A rebuilt playground has opened at Keith Barry Oval in Toronto, replacing two ageing swing sets with a larger play area as Lake Macquarie City Council plans further upgrades across the city.
The playground, officially opened on Tuesday, August 18, includes climbing structures, netting, a firepole, see-saw, spinner and a play shopfront. Bench seating and a concrete perimeter path have also been installed.
The NSW government contributed $150,000 towards the project through its Local Small Communities Allocation Program.
Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz said playground upgrades were also planned at Marmong Point, Morisset and New Lambton Heights during the 2026-27 financial year.
“Our community surveys consistently show the maintenance and improvement of these spaces rank among the highest priorities for Lake Macquarie residents, and projects like the Keith Barry Oval playground are a direct response to that feedback,” Cr Shultz said.
Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said the overhaul was overdue. Keith Barry Oval is home to the Macquarie Scorpions Junior Rugby League Club and regularly attracts visiting teams and families.
Council is separately developing plans to expand Wyee Community Hall Reserve into a district-level park after completing community consultation.
The proposed Wyee project includes a neighbourhood playground, picnic facilities and areas for active recreation. Draft features include a flying fox, obstacle and climbing equipment, and a social space for teenagers.
Design work is expected to progress this year, but construction remains subject to inclusion in a future council operational plan.
Council will also seek community feedback on the replacement of the skate park at Wilkinson Park, Cardiff, including how the area is used and what residents want from a new facility.
A significant expansion of Charlestown Lions Park is planned to begin during the current financial year, with completion targeted for 2027-28. It is expected to include a new playground, half multipurpose court, hit wall, public amenities and car parking.
Lake Macquarie City Council manages more than 110 playgrounds across the local government area.
More information is available at https://www.lakemac.com.au/For-residents/Community/Children-and-schools/Playgrounds.
