Boat Harbour Playground opened in time for school holidays Nelson Bay (Tomaree Peninsula areas) News Of The Area Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - September 27, 2017 Port Stephens Member Of Parliament Kate Washington Officially Opening the Boat Harbour Playground with a group of local children enjoying the monkey bars. PLAY is on the agenda at the new Boat Harbour children’s playground. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au[/caption] Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE Over one hundred community members form the Boat Harbour Village Collective which raised grant money and fundraised to create a playground which inspires creative play. In total $66,000 worth of work has gone into the playground with $30,000 from the Community Building Partnership Program 2015, with additional funds coming from Council, and through community fundraising. One key objective of the playground is to ensure that the play space complements the natural environment, and enhances the site. Naomi Farrelly of the Boat Harbour Village Collective told News Of The Area, “In the future we will look to fundraising for some toddler play facilities.” She believes a master plan for the site is needed with pathways, landscaping and stairs to the playground and beach areas, making the site safer and more accessible. “I would encourage other community groups to apply for funding and to approach Council to let them know what their community needs are,” she said. The playground challenges children; they have to discover how to use components like the totem poles. Port Stephens Member of Parliament Kate Washington told News Of The Area, “This is a wonderful achievement; I would like to personally thank the ladies who volunteered to make this wonderful space for the community,” she said. Councillor Chris Doohan was impressed with the outcome. “It’s a ripper!” he said. Incoming Central Ward Councillor Sarah Smith told News Of The Area, “It’s a great facility for our kids and visitors, it makes Boat Harbour a destination for families.” Both Councillors Doohan and Smith listened to the community about issues surrounding the site including the need for repairs to the barbecue and the safe access for residents through the site. By Marian SAMPSON Councillor Sarah Smith, Boat Harbour Village Collective’s Naomi Farrelly, and Councillor Chris Doohan at the opening of the playground. Photo by Marian Sampson.
