MEDIA RELEASE - Council jumps for joy with the opening of renewed playground at Jelba Reserve

Sutherland Shire residents welcomed a new playground this week, with Council proudly announcing the reopening of the rejuvenated playground at Jelba Reserve, Bangor. This exciting addition marks a significant stride in Council's ongoing commitment to providing safe, diverse, and high-quality open spaces in our community.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce was joined by E Ward Councillors, Laura Cowell and Steve Nikolovski, along with local families to officially open the new playground at Jelba Reserve.

Mayor Pesce emphasised the importance of investing in recreational infrastructure to support an active, vibrant and connected community.

“We know a huge part of what makes the Sutherland Shire such a great place to live is our beautiful outdoor spaces and the wide scope of recreational opportunities for families and people of all ages and abilities to play and stay active, wherever you live,” said Mayor Pesce.

“This playground renewal is a prime example of Council’s commitment to continue improving existing facilities and create new opportunities for outdoor spaces that enrich the lives of our younger residents and those young of heart.

“Witnessing and hearing what this playground means to local residents makes me proud of what Council’s project team has achieved in upgrading the Jelba Reserve playground to provide a great new engaging play space for kids to get out, explore, and play.”

The renewed playground at Jelba Reserve offers an array of equipment catering to children aged 2 to 10 years old, including climbing structures, slides, and swings. Softfall material ensures safety, while thoughtfully designed seating, landscaping, and pathways improve access and add to the overall appeal of the playground.

Jelba Reserve represents another exciting addition in a series of carefully planned playground transformations delivered in 2023 and follows the recently renewed or relocated playgrounds at Akuna Avenue Reserve – Bangor, Colwyn Close Reserve – Menai, and Casuarina Road Oval Playground – Alfords Point. Spaces to be enjoyed by residents for years to come.

In line with Council's Playground Renewal Program and ongoing commitment to rejuvenate playgrounds and equipment, this comprehensive program assesses all Sutherland Shire playgrounds to ensure we are proactively prioritising those most in need of renewal. Quarterly safety inspections and maintenance further ensure that the play areas remain safe and enjoyable for all.

“Residents in close proximity have already been enjoying the new playground at Jelba Reserve. If you live nearby or plan to visit the area, I encourage you to bring your family along to enjoy this incredible new play space,” added Mayor Pesce.

Upcoming projects include the highly anticipated Webber Street Reserve playground in Sylvania, scheduled to open in December. Further projects are in the pipeline for 2024, as Council continues to work towards creating an active, vibrant community that enriches the lives of its residents.