
Optus Stadium Transport
Western Australia | Urban
In 2008, Tamworth Regional Council recognised the community’s need for an outdoor recreational space, suitable for children and adults. This priority was further supported in the ‘Riverside Parklands Issues and Options Paper’ (2008) and the ‘Fitzroy Street and Bicentennial Park Concept Master Plan’ (2009). Following the prioritisation of the project, Council began to develop, design and fund the Tamworth Regional Playground, in consultation with the community, to be completed in 2015.
The entire project was constructed without using funding from ratepayers. It was delivered through a Category 3 Infrastructure Grant from the Office of Liquor and Gaming, the sale of a nearby park area, donations and voluntary labor from community members, businesses and contractors. While the sale of the nearby park was initially controversial, the concerns have predominantly been alleviated upon completion of the playground.
The integration of technology was a key aspect of the project planning phase, as the playground forms part of the region’s first ‘smart’ precinct in a joint pilot project between Tamworth Regional Council and Telstra. The precinct uses the latest technology for lighting, parking and waste monitoring.
Visitors to the park can enjoy free Wi-Fi, smart lighting that moves into an ambient state with no activity, then activates completely once motion is detected, a CCTV network, a duress button for user safety, sensors in waste facilities, allowing more accurate waste removal scheduling and data collection. The parking area also sensors in the pavement and off-street parking, providing real-time data on the availability of parking spaces, which is linked to LED signage for the convenience of visitors.
The playground features interactive play and health zones which provide infrastructure to meet the recreation, health and wellbeing needs of the local and regional communities, addressing social outcomes and creating active and passive zones to suit all ages.
Playground features include:
$2.2 million