Community-Led Playground Opens in Hill Top

Published on 17 December 2024

Young girl with Christmas hat cuts red ribbon at the gate entrance of Hill Top Community Park with seven other children as well as Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick and Judy Hannan MP

The Hill Top community gathered to celebrate the grand opening of its new, highly anticipated playground on Saturday, 14 December.  

Located in Hill Top Community Park along West Parade, the spacious, centrally located playground is a hub for children, young people, and the broader community to enjoy.  

Designed in consultation with residents, the fully fenced space features play elements suitable for ages 4 to 15, including a ninja course, nest swing, and fitness equipment. 

The project was a collaborative effort between Wingecarribee Shire Council and the Hill Top Community Association (HTCA), with funding provided by the Federal Government's Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant. 

Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick said the new play space was a fantastic addition to the Hill Top community and commended the collaboration that brought it to life.  

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Hill Top Community Association for their unwavering dedication to this project. We’re also thankful for the support of the Bowral Mittagong Rotary Club. Their generous contribution helped us overcome setbacks caused by vandalism,” said Mayor Fitzpatrick.  

“The space encourages physical activity, promotes healthy lifestyles, and fosters a stronger sense of community by providing a place for families to connect, children to play, and the entire neighbourhood to thrive,” he said.  

The Hill Top Community Association expressed their pride in the collaborative achievement. 

“This project has been a dream of ours for many years, and seeing it come to life is incredibly rewarding,” said a spokesperson for the HTCA. “The playground is a testament to what can be achieved when the community works together, and we’re excited to see it bring joy to local families for years to come.”

The community played a pivotal role in shaping the playground, selecting the final design from two options presented by Council. The chosen concept complements existing equipment purchased by the HTCA and aligns with Council’s Playspace Strategy, ensuring the space meets the needs of current and future generations. 

This playground symbolises the resilience and unity of Hill Top, showcasing what can be achieved through community-driven projects.