THE inaugural Hawkesbury Fest at Governor Phillip Park on Sunday, July 29 was reportedly a hit with the local community and visitors alike.
Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett said she received plenty of positive feedback about the new playground and the free community event.
“It’s been wonderful to hear so much good news about our upgraded park and new playground at Governor Phillip Park,” the Mayor said.
“I want to congratulate the playground designers and landscapers on creating such an active and fun area for children and their families to enjoy, and all the Council staff involved who made sure we delivered this outcome on time to celebrate Local Government Week.”
The new playground in the park was launched officially during the event. Design elements include natural colours and elements such as sandstone, a timber bridge, a grey lizard, and a brick smugglers’ tunnel – which is a tribute to the legend of the hidden smugglers tunnel at Thompson Square in Windsor.
“There’s even a crawling net which is reminiscent of the yabbie catchers used by our local Darug people along the Hawkesbury River,” said Clr Lyons-Buckett.
The new playground includes a children’s bicycle path, water play area and a variety of equipment which aims to encourage balancing, climbing, sliding, spinning and exploration.
Council handed-out free reusable water bottles and keep cups, and a waste education tent provided information about how residents can help council in its War on Waste.
There were free trees and plants as well as gardening advice from Hawkesbury Bushcare to celebrate National Tree Day.
The Mayor also congratulated Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter staff and the Rescue Groups in attendance for all the help and advice that they gave to local pet owners on the day. Free microchipping vouchers were also given out.
