- Latest News
PUMPED: Work has started on the Norton Park redevelopment including preparations for the new pump track.
Friday, December 20, 2019
Work has begun on the redevelopment of Norton Park in Whyalla Stuart.
Temporary fencing has been erected where the new toilet block will be built and earthworks have started for the pump track. The toilet block will be Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant with a women’s and unisex facility.
The $400,000 redevelopment at the park (locally known as McRitchie Park) will also include a new 7-piece playground, barbecues and shelter area, a drinking fountain, car parking area, more turf and shade trees. The playground will include a sky surf, multi-play piece, carousel, seahorse springer, pod swing and regular swings plus some adult fitness equipment.
The design of the park was chosen after extensive public consultation by the City of Whyalla. This included a survey, public display at Westland Shopping Centre, a Whyalla Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) “water battle” feedback day and visits to local primary schools to get student feedback.
PREPARATIONS: Temporary fencing has gone up for the construction of the toilet block in Norton Park.
Council Project Manager Landscape, Sam Bourne said the new reserve and play equipment was going to be a “cracker” that kids will go “nuts” over.
“This park is going to help rejuvenate this part of the city and bring it to life,” Sam said.
“It’s going to be a cracker and we’re going to have a pump track right here in Whyalla that the kids will go nuts over.”
Announcing the redevelopment and public consultation earlier this year, Mayor Clare McLaughlin said she was rapt to see this development kicking off.
“There’s a perception that all the development, especially with parks, only happens around the foreshore,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
RAPT: Mayor Clare McLaughlin at Norton Park in January when the redevelopment was announced by Council.
“This project, worth nearly $400,000, show’s Council’s commitment to develop areas throughout the city.
“This isn’t the first playground or reserve we have developed in the western part of the town and won’t be the last as we look to spread funding for these sorts of developments throughout the city.
“With the new service station opening across the roads, this reserve with toilets and great play equipment, it is going to present a bright, new aspect to this area and another facility that will benefit local residents.”
Funding of $183,000 for community amenity upgrades was obtained from the previous State Government for this development.
NEW LOOK: The redevelopment plans for Norton Park.
MORE NEWS ON NORTON PARK
Norton Park submissions sought
Water fight fun and park feedback