Riverside playground works start

Published: 25 Nov 2021 12:00pm

Close to a third of the new playground at the Riverside Stage 2 project has been installed as works on site progress towards other key milestones.

The “regionally significant” playground is an adventure zone which has been inspired by parts of Wagga Wagga’s history.

It will be a key feature in the $9.93 million Riverside development and was the winning design as selected by community members as part of the consultation process.

Council Project Manager Srivalli Miah said the popular design was a clear winner with the community and includes an all-abilities play space.

“This playground will be a major drawcard in Wagga Wagga for residents and visitors alike,” Ms Miah said.

“Many features have been modelled from Wagga Wagga icons from years past.

“Some of those components have been inspired by paddle steamers which once travelled the Murrumbidgee River and also the Wagga Water Whizz slide which was located at the beach precinct.

“It includes a mix of standard playground equipment, and also features some bespoke elements, which would be a first for this city, and aims to cater for different ages and abilities.”

Ms Miah said construction works continued despite recent adverse weather conditions.

“The slab has been poured for the new amenities building and block work has commenced,” Ms Miah said.

“The existing amenities facility at the beach will remain in place, however, the old, dilapidated amenities block which was located on the project site has been demolished. The new amenities are being built in the same location and will include a changing place facility.”

Ms Miah said work on the footings for the stage construction were in progress alongside grading and trimming on internal roads and shared paths.

Kerb construction at the main entrance on Johnston Street is also in progress.

Practical completion for Riverside Stage 2 is scheduled for April 2022, weather permitting.

The project is being funded by NSW Government’s Restart NSW ($5M), the Federal Government’s Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Fund ($3.08M) and Wagga Wagga City Council ($1.85M).

The playground is being funded from the Federal portion of the funding.