Players raise cash for playground

It is scheduled to be built by the end of March.

A disc swing, climbing frame, mounded slippery dip and fort will all be installed in the playground on the corner of Lynches Road and Kellys Plains Road.

The space was needed particularly for families with children on the autism spectrum, Armidale and District Netball Association coaching coordinator Rochelle Joyce said.

There will be a sensory play space, she added.

“A path accessible to the disabled will link the clubhouse with the playground,” Ms Joyce said yesterday.

“This will enhance an area that is already used by families and children throughout the year.”

The site currently has a slippery dip and two swings and is separated from the netball courts. Plans to build the playground date back five years, however, it wasn’t until about 18 months ago serious fundraising began.

Players held a charity cocktail party and ultimately raised $30,000.

That was then matched dollar-for-dollar by the state government.

It has provided $45,000 for the project in total.

Armidale Sports Council made the build its priority, contributing $30,000.

Also, Armidale Dumaresq Council contributed $5000 to the playground’s construction, with other grants making up the target. 

Ms Joyce said: “We thought big and it has paid off.”

Now she is calling on businesses across the city to donate equipment.

“This is a community effort and we need activities that can be enjoyed by all children,” Ms Joyce said.

Picnic tables would also be sourced to fill the playground.

Any business or organisation that would like to contribute equipment or donate to the project should phone coordinator Rochelle Joyce on 0431 533 813.