Port-Macquarie Hastings Council have been successful in securing a ‘Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund’ grant from the NSW Government to upgrade and further embellish the Stuart Park Regional Sporting Precinct in Port Macquarie. The endorsed masterplan for Stuart Park and Wood Street includes a new dog off-leash area, playground, parking, footpath network and sports amenities.

1. Stuart Park Playground

The playground will offer play opportunities for users of the Stuart Park sport facilities as well as offering a new destination point for the surrounding community. The playground is located centrally in the Park in an area with established shade trees and in close proximity to parking and public toilets.

The key design objectives proposed for this playground are to:

• Give the playground a sense of identity - with entry path, and featuring carved kangaroos;
• Provide a variety of passive and active play experiences;
• Cater for a wide age group;
• Provide accessible play options and accessible access;
• Include natural play elements like planting and logs;
• Provide a variety of seating and picnicking options;
• Connect to the overall Stuart Park bike/pedestrian network and include bike racks;
• Provide amenities such as bubbler and rubbish bin.

We would love to get your feedback on our initial concept ideas for this playground. These ideas for the playground include:

• 6m Height Lunar Climbing Net

• Extra high swing (senior) and standard swing (junior)

• Wheelchair accessible spinner

• Combination play unit with platforms and 2 slides

• Nature play balancing logs and steppers

• Picnic tables (2 )

• Carved timber kangaroos (2)

• Mulched planting areas

• Rubbish bin, bubbler and bike racks

• Wave seats (2)

A Concept Plan including photo examples of the above playground items are available for viewing in the Document Library (located to the right of this screen).

2. Stuart Park Dog Off-Leash Area

The dog off-leash area will offer a central location with established shade trees in close proximity to parking and public toilets.

Ideas for the Dog Off-leash include:

• Provide separate areas for active and quite dog use;

• Include natural play elements such as logs and rocks;

• Provide dog agility equipment that includes use of recycled plastic as a sustainable alternative;

• Provide seating;

• Connect to the overall Stuart Park bike/pedestrian network;

• Provide amenities such as bubbler and rubbish bin.

The Concept Plan including photo examples of dog off-leash agility equipment is available for viewing in the Document Library (located to the right of this screen).

Visit the Pop Up Engagement stall

Come and Visit the Project Team to have your say or make an online submission below.

• Drop in anytime 3pm to 5pm Monday 6 May at the foyer of the Port Macquarie Sports Stadium (corner of Hastings River Drive & Hibbard Drive).
• Drop in anytime 6pm to 7.30pm Wednesday 8 May at Stuart Park (Wood Street) at the proposed site for the dog-off leash area.

How to make a submission

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is asking the community to provide feedback on the draft concept for the playground and dog-off leash area before 21st May 2019.

To share your views about the proposed upgrades, use the Submission tab below or send an email or post your response to:

Email: council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au(External link)

Post: The General Manager
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
PO Box 84
Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Further details may be obtained by contacting Council's Inclusion Officer on (02) 6581 8111 or by email at julie.priest@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.