Friday, 08 February 2019

Students at St Ives Park Public School can now enjoy a new playground, funded by a $30,000 Community Building Partnership 2018 grant.

Jonathan O’Dea, Member for Davidson congratulated St Ives Park Public School P&C Association on the successful build utilising NSW Government funding.

“Play is such an important part of children’s development, so I’m glad that St Ives Park Public School students have a beautiful new play space to enjoy,” Mr O’Dea said.

The new play space transformed a large uneven dirt expanse with astroturf, sandpits and installed a fixed play structure of bridges and turrets; with climbing poles, ropes, monkey bars and a double slide; all to current safety specifications.

Parents, carers and staff at St Ives Park Public School welcomed the playground and the opportunities it provides for children to play, learn and grow.

School Acting Principal Ms Jodie Sheehy said, “We are so excited to have our new equipment installed and ready for use. Research shows strong links between creative play and language, physical, cognitive, and social development. It will also encourage invaluable community engagement and a positive connection with the school.”

Playground Committee Member Mrs Sarah Weller said, “Children need to swing, climb, hang and jump in order to be able to sit still and absorb class lesson teachings, hence why we are so pleased to have this grant and new play space.”

For more information on NSW Government Community Building Partnership grants, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/projects-and-initiatives/community-building-partnership/