An exciting new play space at Shellharbour North Beach has opened in time for the spring school holidays.

The new playground, located at Bardsley Park, features a climbing frame, swings, ocean-themed seesaw with accessible platform, nature play trail, balance beam and hopping logs.

It includes two sheltered picnic tables, bubbler/water station and dog bowl, seating, and accessible footpath for improved connectivity.

The play space also features a communication board that uses pictures to help neurodiverse people communicate using pictures rather than words. It is the third such board in Shellharbour City, with installations at Skiway Park in Oak Flats, and Flinders Green in Flinders already proving popular.

Shellharbour City Council created the design using the feedback gathered from the community during the consultation phase last year.

Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the new playground catered for a range of uses and was sure to be popular with visitors and residents.

“It’s a wonderful space for people of all ages. Due to its beachside location, the park is perfect for children’s play, picnics or just taking in views of the ocean,” Mayor Homer said.

"We have made good use of the existing trees (heritage listed North Folk Island) so there is plenty of natural shade mixed along with the two shade-covered picnic tables.

“Council chose nature play pieces and light hardwood timber to complement the natural setting of the coastal park,” he said.

Alongside the playground will be a stunning public artwork, due to be installed in the coming weeks.

The artwork, titled Long Distance, is being created by Carla Gottgens. The striking piece will comprise two whale tails to represent the annual journey of humpback whales on their migratory path past Shellharbour.

https://letschatshellharbour.com/playground-renewals/bardsley-park-shellharbour