ANZAC Nature Play Park

Laughter, movement and community connection filled Anzac Park on Saturday 7 February 2026, as families and children came together to celebrate the official opening of Glen Innes’ Nature Play Park.

The $1.2 million Nature Play Park is the result of strong community advocacy and is one of the most significant recreation projects delivered by Glen Innes Severn Council in recent years. The playground was designed and constructed by Moduplay, transforming a well‑used community space into a modern play area that supports inclusive, imaginative and nature‑based play.

Mayor Margot Davis said the opening was a proud moment for the Glen Innes community. “It was wonderful to see families and children enjoying the park from the moment it opened,” Cr Davis said.

Cr Davis also acknowledged the local parents whose advocacy sparked the project. “This playground began with our community. In 2022, a group of Glen Innes Severn parents wrote to Council with a clear and heartfelt message about the need for a modern, accessible play space. Their passion and persistence set this entire project in motion, and today’s opening is a testament to what community voices can achieve,” she said.

Throughout the opening weekend, the park was alive with activity, with children exploring the new play equipment and families spending time together in one of Glen Innes’ most loved public spaces. The Nature Play Park includes a range of play elements designed to encourage active, sensory and social play for children of all ages and abilities.

The Nature Play Park was officially opened by Brendan Moylan MP, Mayor Margot Davis and Deputy Mayor Carol Sparks. Member for the Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan MP said the project was an important addition to the region and highlighted the benefits of collaboration across all levels of government.

“The new playground at Anzac Park is a huge addition to the region’s recreational infrastructure and provides a safe space for families to come together and enjoy being outdoors,” Mr Moylan said.

“It is fantastic to see all three levels of government working together to create something the whole community can be proud of. It is a major addition to Glen Innes’ regional infrastructure, and I hope people of all ages will enjoy it for years to come.”

Cr Davis said investing in high‑quality, accessible play spaces was an important part of supporting community wellbeing.

“Playgrounds like this are about more than play, they’re about bringing people together, supporting healthy lifestyles and creating places where families feel welcome,” she said. “The Nature Play Park is a fantastic addition to Anzac Park and a space the whole community can enjoy for many years to come.”

The opening event was supported by Council’s Youth Booth, along with the New England Club / Glen Innes Services Club and Grey Street Gourmet Grocer, with strong attendance from local families and children helping to mark the occasion.

As with any major construction project, minor rectification works will continue following the opening, with Council already in discussion with the contractor regarding a small number of defects, including elements of the shade structure. These works will be addressed as part of the normal post‑completion process while the park remains open for community use.

Proudly funded by NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Round 5, Australian Government Growing Regions Program Round 2 (administered by NSW Government), and Glen Innes

An exciting new chapter for Anzac Park is just days away, with the $1.2 million Nature Play Park now effectively complete. Only a few minor finishing items remain, and once these are signed off, the site is expected to be handed over to Council within the next 10–14 days.

This new play space is one of the most significant recreation projects Council has delivered in recent years. Designed to encourage imaginative, inclusive and nature‑based play, it is set to become a standout community asset for families across the Glen Innes Highlands.

Mayor Margot Davis said the completion of the project marks an important milestone for the region.

“This Nature Play Park is a fantastic investment in the health, happiness and creativity of our local children. It’s a space that encourages play, exploration and connection, and we’re thrilled to see it so close to opening. I know many families across the Glen Innes Highlands are eagerly awaiting the chance to enjoy it,” Cr Davis said.

Council is aware that many community members have been discussing the fencing of the new play area. While playground fences are not mandatory, the original plan included a natural hedge that would eventually form the boundary. However, this hedge will take around 12 months to fully establish.

Given this, and the stated commitment of Council to provide a fence, a temporary option was considered. After reviewing costs and timing, it was found that for only a small additional amount, a permanent metal fence could be installed instead. This fence will be delivered within the remaining project budget at a cost of approximately $20,000.

General Manager Bernard Smith said Council has closely examined the community discussion around fencing and revisited what was possible within the existing project budget.

“While the original design relied on the natural hedge to form the boundary once established, we were able to determine that a permanent fence could be delivered without increasing the project cost,” Mr Smith said.

Installation of this fence is scheduled to begin in the second half of February.

Once the contractor formally hands the site over, the new Nature Play Park will be open for community use. Council has been advised by its insurers that a fence is not legally required, and the park can safely open before the permanent fence is installed. Community members are able to use their own discretion when choosing whether to use the facility or not.

Council has also confirmed that the Liberty Swing (all‑abilities swing), temporarily removed during the upgrade, will be reinstalled in the near future.

The official opening of the playground is scheduled for the 7 February 2026, with planning underway to ensure it is a fun packed event befitting the importance of the occasion.

This $1,200,000 project has been proudly funded through a $500,000 allocation from the NSW Government under the Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5 for Stage One upgrades, a $600,000 contribution from the Australian Government through the Growing Regions Program Round 2, administered by the NSW Government, for Stage Two upgrades, and a $100,000 cash contribution from Glen Innes Severn Council. Both stages were delivered concurrently.

Glen Innes Severn Council is delighted to announce the progression of the ANZAC Park Playground Upgrade, now backed by an additional $600,000 in funding approved under Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program.

This new funding builds on the $500,000 secured in 2022 through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5. Council has also committed $100,000 to this transformative project, bringing the total investment to $1.2 million.

The existing playground in ANZAC Park, Glen Innes is in need of an upgrade, with increased demand for modern, accessible, inclusive and family-friendly recreational spaces. In September 2022, a letter representing parents in the local government area was sent to Council, advocating for a new playground to better serve the community’s needs. The new playground will replace the existing facility, delivering a large-scale, inclusive space designed for families and all members of the community.

Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Margot Davis said, “I am thrilled to see this important upgrade to ANZAC Park Playground moving forward. With the additional funding, we are committed to creating a modern, inclusive and family-friendly space that will benefit the entire community and visitors.”

“The feedback we’ve received, particularly from local parents, has highlighted the need for an upgraded facility, and this project will deliver exactly that. We look forward to working with the community to ensure this new playground meets the needs of all ages and abilities and provides a safe, enjoyable space for everyone,” she added.

Community consultation will take place in early February 2025, where residents will have 28 days to provide feedback on the proposed design options for the new playground. Construction will follow after the consultation period.