Council follows the State Government’s “Everyone Can Play” guidelines, Australian Standards and best practice. Playspaces are designed to be as inclusive as possible within the budget allocated to the project, the playspace hierarchy and site limitations and features.

Certified playground mulch will be used with certified rubber safety surfacing in limited locations to provide access to equipment and inclusion for people of all abilities. It also provides better foot stability for very young children and is safer for high wear and tear areas, such as under swings and at the end of slides, to ensure the safety impact layer is not displaced or worn down.

A number of site constraints have influenced the design, such as sub-surface services, including a significant stormwater pipe running through the site.

This has affected where shade sail posts can be located. There are also existing mature trees and the existing heritage sandstone boundary wall.

The rest of Gardiner Park will not be impacted during construction of the playspace. However, the playspace will be unavailable for use during the construction period (approx. 5 months).

The nearest playspaces are Yamba Woora Reserve (680m away) and Silver Jubilee Park (820m away).

Construction area/s will be fenced and signposted to ensure public safety. Work will be limited to approved Council hours:

No work on Sundays or public holidays

Gardiner Park playspace is classified as a “neighborhood” hierarchy playspace that caters to the local community generally within walking distance. The hierarchy of the playspace determines its size and types/range of play equipment. This project is a playspace renewal, so the new playspace will be a similar size to the existing.

Construction is expected to commence end of summer 2026.

Existing stone retaining walls and fencing will be retained. A new gate, accessed off Wolli Creek Road, is included for improved compliant access. This will require Council’s maintenance gate to be relocated a few metres further back.