ANZAC Nature Play Park

Update 23 December 2025

Installation of all playground equipment at ANZAC Park will be completed shortly, with landscaping works also nearing completion. While the playground may appear finished, it is not yet open for use.

The final stage of works includes installation of the rubber soft-fall surface, which is scheduled to be completed by 31 December, weather permitting. Once installed, the soft-fall requires a curing period and must not be walked on or used during this time, as doing so can damage the surface and compromise safety.

Most importantly, the playground cannot open until a final inspection, walkthrough and formalContinue reading

Update 23 December 2025

Installation of all playground equipment at ANZAC Park will be completed shortly, with landscaping works also nearing completion. While the playground may appear finished, it is not yet open for use.

Most importantly, the playground cannot open until a final inspection, walkthrough and formal handover have been completed in January. This process includes quality and safety checks of the equipment installation to ensure the playground is safe for children to use. Opening the playground before this sign-off would pose a safety risk and is not permitted.

Council asks the community to please respect temporary fencing and signage and not enter the playground area over the Christmas break. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.

Update 16 September 2025

ANZAC Park playground will be closed from Monday, 13 October 2025 for the demolition of the existing playground. Works on the new Nature Play Park are scheduled to commence on Monday, 27 October 2025, carried out by Moduplay.

What are we doing with the old playground?
The old playground equipment will be repurposed, with a new location currently being considered. We will confirm the details once finalised.

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we deliver this exciting new project for the community.

Update 12 August 2025

Council thanks the community for their valuable feedback on the proposed ANZAC Nature Play Park designs. During the consultation period from 17 June to 9 July 2025, 20 submissions were received. The feedback has been carefully reviewed, with key themes addressed and some adjustments made to the final designs.

View Council's responses and changes here.

With engagement now complete, construction will soon commence, requiring the temporary closure of the existing playground. Council will inform the community once the construction schedule is confirmed.

Final Designs

View the final concept designs

An all-ages, inclusive place to play, imagine and grow

Glen Innes Severn Council invites the community to provide feedback on the proposed designs for the new ANZAC Nature Play Park — an engaging, nature-themed playground created to inspire creativity, encourage exploration and most importantly - welcome children of all ages and abilities.

Background

The ANZAC Nature Play Park project has been shaped by input from the Glen Innes Severn community and Moduplay Pty Ltd, the appointed contractor. Early engagement included a letter from local parents advocating for a new playground, concept planning by a playground consultant and consultation with key stakeholders.

In December 2022, Council secured $500,000 through the Stronger Country Communities Program Round 5, with a $100,000 Council co-contribution, creating a $600,000 budget for Stage 1 of the project.

Since then, Council has successfully secured an additional $600,000 through the Growing Regions Program to deliver Stage 2. This new funding presents an opportunity to deliver both stages of the project together, allowing for a more integrated and efficient construction process. By combining the stages, Council and Moduplay will be able to minimise mobilisation costs and avoid having to close the playground to the community twice.

While finalising the funding agreement took longer than expected, Council is very excited to move forward and engage the community for input on the proposed design.

Construction is planned to begin following this important consultation which will conclude on 9 July 2025.

What's Planned for the ANZAC Nature Play Park?

The ANZAC Nature Play Park project aims to provide the community with a vibrant, inclusive playground that inspires imagination, creativity and active play for children of all ages and abilities. This new play park will replace the existing playground within ANZAC Park, covering an area of approximately 40m x 35m.

The design embraces a nature play theme, encouraging children to explore and create their own play experiences using natural-look materials, such as ModWood and powder-coated steel in earthy, nature-inspired tones, and natural elements like logs, rocks, water and bark.

The proposed designs offer a variety of engaging features including:

Multiplay area shaded by sails
Separate zones for climbing, balancing, rocking and spinning
Double “Skyrider” flying fox with an inclusive seat
Traditional swings and other swinging play
Open spaces for socialising and resting
Waterplay features to stimulate the senses
New accessible BBQ and seating area
Pathways connecting the playground to East Avenue and the nearby toilet block for easy access

Draft Designs

View draft concept designs

Have Your Say!

Council is seeking community input on the proposed design for the ANZAC Nature Play Park.

Submissions are now open and will close on 9 July 2025 at 4pm.

You can share your feedback by:

Submitting a comment via the Have Your Say Portal
Emailing your submission to: council@gisc.nsw.gov.au
Drop into Council’s Town Hall Administration Office or the Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre to view a hard copy of the proposed designs and submit a paper comment form.

Council welcomes your input. For more information, please contact Council’s Manager of Recreation and Opens Spaces, Sean Galetto on 0498 385 690.

ANZAC PARK’S $1.2 MILLION NATURE PLAY PARK NEARS OPENING

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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.
ADDITIONAL $600K FUNDING APPROVED FOR ANZAC PARK PLAYGROUND

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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.