Modern playgrounds are incredible, providing vibrant and colourful sites that significantly enhance a park or open space. Council was able to allocate money in its capital works budget for the new playground and to get community involvement, nearby residents were invited to choose the design.

An information session and barbecue was held on Thursday where residents could see the plans and make their choice. The turnout to the consultation session was fantastic, with around 150 getting involved and valuable feedback provided to council staff. The two designs presented for consideration were from Moduplay and Timber Creations. Council chose those designs for meeting the playground brief, utilising the natural landforms, compliance to standards and overall value for money.

There was significant support for one of the playground designs, with residents overwhelmingly choosing the Moduplay option as their preferred choice. That design provided an array of play equipment, utilising the natural mounds for equipment that will cater to all ages and abilities. Some of the features include a Skyrider swing, a double slide, a climbing structure, activity panels and a nest swing designed to cater for inclusiveness. The design will also utilise existing shade trees and additional landscaping will make it a popular place for children and families.

Your council understands the value of great parks and playgrounds and will continue to upgrade existing ones as the funding becomes available and will also look for new opportunities.

For parents with children who like to climb and explore, I would encourage you to take your children to Dubbo's new Adventure Playground at Elizabeth Park, near the Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens.

This exciting new playground features a flying fox, substantial climbing opportunities, monkey bars, slides and swings. It was made possible through State Government funding and is unique across the entire region. Hundreds of families came to the community opening recently to experience everything the park has to offer.

Council is working with the Wellington Business Chamber to revitalise businesses in the CBD and one of the suggestions made was to improve parking access to shops.

To address this, council and the chamber has appealed to business owners and employees to look at alternative parking options to free up space in front of shop fronts, especially in high traffic areas such as Nanima Crescent between Warne and Maughan streets.

Ideally these parks would be available for customers, making it easier for them to access the great businesses that are located in the CBD.

A letter was delivered to businesses owners in the area yesterday to encourage them to support this proposal.

I want to thank the Business Chamber, including president Barry Jeffery for its support on this issue. We are all aiming for the same goal, a thriving CBD and healthy Wellington economy so it makes sense for us to work together to make it happen.