Tamworth regional councillors signed off on the design concept for the playground at their meeting on Tuesday night and are waiting for a report to come back from Tamworth Regional Council’s regional services department on how the project can be funded.

The playground was one of the recommendations in the council’s open-space plan in 2008; the development of the park’s plans has been an ongoing process since then. The proposed playground concept design includes a junior bicycle track, picnic areas, an upgraded amenities block, fitness area for seniors and themed play zones.

When constructed, the playground will be at the southern end of Bicentennial Park in Kable Ave, opposite JT Fossey’s.

The council has $340,000 allocated for the project, leaving a funding gap of $660,000.

The council allocated $200,000 in its 2008-11 management plan for the development of a regional playground in Bicentennial Park, with the intention of providing a unique feature playground with associated soft and hard landscaping.

In January this year the council’s parks and horticulture staff engaged landscape architects Insite EMLA to design the playground.

Councillors agreed after approving the concept plan, a further funding strategy would be required, to determine the best way of securing the rest of the funding for the project.

In January this year, parks and horticulture staff engaged Insite EMLA to design the playground.

The report to the council said the resulting concept plan had “a unique character, responding to a user-centred design philosophy”.

“It caters for children of all abilities and their families, as well as providing a place the whole community can enjoy together,” the report said.

“It provides users with a challenging and dynamic range of play equipment and facilities, consisting of distinct areas of play, with age-relevant equipment for children of all ages and abilities.”

While all nine councillors supported the development of the playground, a few issues came up in discussion.

Councillor Paul Durant expressed concern that ratepayers would not approve of a million-dollar playground.

“There’s a playground going in at Endeavour Park and we have other parks. I am just concerned that people might (wonder whether) there is any benefit,” he said.

Councillor Juanita Wilson said the park had endless benefits.

“It’s innovative, accessible, modern and we really don’t have anything else like it,” Cr Wilson said.

Councillor Phil Betts described the playground as fantastic and said it was a “quantum leap” for the city.