Shellharbour City Council is set to reach a major milestone for the McDonald Park Master Plan with the completion of a new playground.

The new farm-themed play space at McDonald Park, Albion Park Rail, has been adapted from the park’s history. The park was named after Dick McDonald who owned and farmed the land on which the park is located.

The playground was designed to incorporate a variety of play opportunities suitable for a range of ages and abilities. It includes a fusion climber with rope netting, an inclusive carousal, an activity tower with a slide and interactive sensory panels, a nature play trail, landscaping, footpaths and a picnic shelter.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said that the park provided a glimpse into an exciting future for the overall space as a sport and play precinct.

“The opening of the McDonald Park playground has been highly anticipated by the community, eager to try out yet another one of Council’s impressive new play facilities,” Cr Saliba said.

“Importantly, the new playground design was developed through extensive public consultation, which means Council was able to incorporate the needs and wants of our community.

“With such a diverse range of activities for children to explore, the new play space opens a huge array of possibilities for imaginative play,” she said.

Cr Saliba thanked the NSW State Government for its support in providing funding for the project.

The project’s next milestone has received a $250,000 grant from NSW Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 3 program. This will see the completion of a learn-to-ride bike course and a ninja-inspired training circuit.

The public toilet amenities will also be upgraded to include an accessible public toilet block, incorporating a public art element in the privacy screening by local Illawarra artist, Claire Foxton.

The playground was designed and constructed by local contractors, Creative Recreation Solutions Pty Ltd.

To find out more about the land on which McDonald Park is located, and for more information about Shellharbour City’s rich history, visit Shellharbour Museum.

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008