A new major playground for Murrumbateman
Since the late 1990s the Murrumbateman community has wanted a major playground to be established. A Category/Level 2 neighbourhood park was built on Church land in Hercules St in 2009 suitable only for young children. Council has developed masterplans and strategies for Murrumbateman but there has been slow progression. Lobbying by MCA and community members has consistently identified the need for a centralised Category/Level 1 playground that is suitable for older children and youth.
The Murrumbateman Community has been fortunate to receive a promise of $750K as an election promise in 2022 from the current federal government – championed by a local resident who is now a Yass Valley Councillor – Kristen Butler. The funding is for all-abilities playground with play and fitness equipment, where everyone can have a go. Clr Butler ensured Yass Council’s 2022/26 Delivery Program included the construction of a Level 1 playground on Council managed land in Murrumbateman with delivery timing expected to be in 2024/25. Council is also holding some funds in reserve for a playground.
The MCA Working Group (WG) on Recreational Facilities has bought together community and sporting groups to focus upon what wider recreation facilities, including a major playground, are needed for Murrumbateman. To help Council to determine a location for a Level 1 playground, the WG did a cost-benefit analysis of potential sites. A comprehensive survey done in March/April 2023 received 379 community responses. Analysis of the results has been done and shared with Council. THANK YOU ALL FOR PARTICIPATING. More work is to be done to ensure proper community consultation for the selection of a location and a design.
Council has established a Playground Project Committee and will engage a consultant to work on the details of the playground and its location.
For more information email recreationfacilities@murrumbateman.org.au