Bellerive Beach Park playground is scheduled for temporary closure in sections starting mid-October as Clarence City Council undertakes significant improvements to enhance the popular play space. The works are anticipated to be completed by the end of November, according to an announcement from the Clarence City Council.
The council stated that the upgrades aim to make the playground more accessible, enjoyable, and easier to maintain for the community. These improvements address existing challenges and introduce new features designed to benefit a wider range of users, particularly younger children.
Key changes planned for the Bellerive Beach Park playground include the replacement of soft bark surfaces under the Sky Tower and beneath the rockers with new rubber surfacing. Clarence City Council noted that the coastal breeze frequently disperses the bark across the playground, paths, and garden beds, leading to ongoing maintenance issues. The new rubber surface is expected to keep the area tidier and provide a firmer, more accessible surface for walking and wheelchair use.
Additionally, the existing sand pit will be removed and replaced with three new pieces of play equipment. The council explained that while the sand pit was popular, it often blocked drainage, which in turn led to closures of the water play area. The new equipment will include a boat rocker and two musical play features, offering more diverse play opportunities and improved accessibility. Despite the removal of the sand pit, the water play pump, channel, and dams will remain for continued water-based activities, and the beach itself is a short walk away for those seeking sand play.
Further enhancements involve new landscaping in the central garden area, incorporating new plants and stepping stones.
Clarence City Council confirmed that sections of the playground will be temporarily closed to facilitate the improvements, with the overall project expected to conclude by the end of November. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the progress of the works by visiting the City of Clarence – Works section of their website or by monitoring their weekly works posts on Facebook.
For families seeking alternative play areas during the upgrade period, Clarence City Council highlighted several other parks and playgrounds across the municipality. These include Kangaroo Bay Parklands in Rosny Park, Simmons Park in Lindisfarne, Montagu Bay Reserve in Montagu Bay, and South Arm Oval in South Arm, all offering various facilities such as sheltered BBQ areas, picnic tables, toilets, accessible features, and nearby parking.