Getting kids off electronic devices and into some good-old fashioned outdoor fun is the ultimate aim of Dubbo Regional Council’s playground maintenance program across the region.

The program followed a recent independent audit of playground safety, designed to identify areas for improvement andcarried out in addition to Council’s regular inspection program.

Following this year’s inspections, works are starting at playgrounds including Lunar Park, Elston Park, Mumbil Sports Ground, and the Adventure Playground. These areas will, unfortunately, have some play components closed off to the community while replacement parts are ordered and installation works are undertaken. Otherwise, they will remain open for use.

The projects aim to keep the region’s playgrounds fit-for-purpose, critical to ensuring young people have safe and enjoyable recreational spaces, mayor Josh Black explained.

“Keeping these play spaces well-maintained and ready-for-use is a top priority for Council. We love giving our young people spaces that encourage them to get outdoors and enjoy our region,” Cr Black said.

“We’re always proactively seeing how we can maintain and improve playgrounds, and as such, Elston and Lunar Park playgrounds were already scheduled for work in this year’s operational plan,” he revealed.

The works aim to ensure the region’s play sites stay up-to-date with the industry’s continuously evolving and highly-stringent safety standards, Council’s Recreation and Greenspaces Manager, Jamie Lobb, stated.

“Every year we undertake rigorous inspections to ensure we’re keeping up with industry safety standards and keeping our children safe,” Mr Lobb said.

“Following the most recent inspection, we’ve already completed 48 per cent of identified works across the Dubbo Region,” he concluded.

While these works are being undertaken on local playgrounds, Council emphasised, residents are asked to observe all safety signage on equipment.

To learn more about Council’s playground works, go to: yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/playground-program.