
Five new playgrounds will open in the ACT ahead of the summer holidays. Photo: File.
Five new and improved playgrounds in Torrens, Higgins, Waramanga, Richardson and Narrabundah will give Canberrans more areas to play and relax just in time for the summer and Christmas holidays.
The Torrens playspace opened this week and includes a climbing web, a basketball half-court and shaded seating close to the local cafe for parents and carers who want to take the kids out for a day in the sun.
Other additions include tree balancing beams, log steppers and large play equipment with a climbing structure and slide at Waramanga and a dirt bike track, accessible spinner and picnic shelter at Higgins.

The upgraded Narrabundah facility provides more options for creative play. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
There are also climbing slopes and birds nest swing at Narrabundah, as well as a skateboard ledge and ramp and nest swing and spinner at Richardson.
READ MORE: The Best Playgrounds in Canberra
“These new playspaces will support children’s physical and social wellbeing by giving them more opportunities to do what they do best – playing,” City Services Minister Chris Steel said.
Local children were able to put their input into the final designs while local artists Dai Cameron and Edward were brought in to paint unique artwork on the concrete walls.
“These playspaces will also help to revitalise local shopping centres in four locations by providing public spaces that families can enjoy for years to come,” Mr Steel said.

City Services Minister Chris Steel testing out some of the new playground facilities. Photo: Supplied.
The new playgrounds form part of the ACT Government’s fast-track infrastructure program which has refurbished more than 50 playspaces across the Territory and built two new natural play spaces at Yerrabi Pond and Kambah District Park.
“The ACT Government will continue to invest in renewed play infrastructure to give children the best start and provide better public spaces for Canberrans.”
For further information on each of the new play spaces, visit City Services.
Where is the Waramanga one please? I can't find it.
Why say these are open when the two we've been to still have temporary fencing and one even still had a tractor inside the fence! Frustrating when the kids can see it's finished but can't play on it yet.
torrens play ground, smoking pot drinking grog in the 80s.
Jen Maher can I have your autograph?
Totally agree, break the big area into smaller stores, maybe coffee shop, express iga and op shop ? Perfect
Would love more (any) shade for the playgrounds.
@ Richardson. See 'Lipstick on pig'.
(Even the temp safety fencing was stolen Friday night).
New equipment and landscaping in Richardson looks good but it's a bit disappointing they left the original, run down equipment there and built around it rather than replacing it as part of the upgrade
The park could do with some security lighting & cameras that might work.
Where in Narrabundah is it?
last time I checked Their still working on it, but it’s The park next to the Oval near Narrabundah Primary. And there’s a new one across from the shops.
Love the new playground in Richardson!😍
Richardson needs the shops to reopen. The park looks great, but it needs some shops to open in the building so its not sitting there getting vandalised
Very true! Although I've seen kids already jumping the fence to go skate on the new pavements. Seems a shame to upgrade the area around the playground next to closed down and graffitied shops :(
Chloe Li same, they however seem to be the same kids who hung out there before the upgrade. Fingers crossed the park will help businesses see the potential in the shop space
Chloe Li you can thank a greedy landlord for that!
Tanya yes I heard that's what it was. He put up the rent too high so he moved his stock northside to his brother's store or something.
Jennifer Hartcher I think the park at the Richardson shops will be ruined in no time sadly. 😢
Tiffany Tanaskovic its already been spray painted tags on the new concrete. Need the shops open to deter people vandalising
I will go down to make sure there are public toilets there, which are mostly lacking in public areas.
Robyne Mitchell because they're used for shooting up and cruising...
Robyne Mitchell the bigger parks have toilets - Tugg Town Park, Kambah Adventure Playground etc. Small little playgrounds tucked away in suburbs usually don’t though.
Jesse Mahoney what is cruising?