The new junior playground at Glenbrook Park, officially opened in April, is providing children with a local history lesson.
Climbing apparatus inspired by the time Glenbrook was called Watertank, a horse sculpture called ‘Henrietta’ and sandstone features sourced from local roads projects, are some of the attractions.
“Many of the features of the playground reflect the early days of Glenbrook and the importance of early forms of transport,” said Blue Mounains mayor Mark Greenhill. “By looking around you can find horse riding, cart and railway references, as well as tributes to early roads.”
Transport features at the park include:
- A sensory trail which includes a variety of items from trains that can be touched and moved. These have been mounted at wheelchair height to ensure accessibility;
- Railway tracks used as balance beams;
- A set of railway luggage scales used as a small platform or stage for small children;
- Horse shoes, including large shoes from a cart horse, and;
- Railway sleepers and fettler’s cart wheels, used in the construction of the park.
“Glenbrook was originally called Watertank from when the trains stopped in Glenbrook, before the track was realigned through the Lapstone Tunnel, to collect water. Two of the play structures are based on water tanks,” said Cr Greenhill.
“Sandstone, rescued from the highway upgrades, has been used throughout the playground. Pick marks can still be seen on the stones. The wall with the slide and climbing net is designed as a road cutting and is aligned with the original Cox’s Road that ran through the location.”
Many community groups contributed to the creation of the playground, including Sun Valley Pony Club; Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Railway Museum; Lower Mountains Men’s Shed; Lapstone Out of School Hours Care; and The Luke Priddis Foundation.
Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman joined the mayor, councillors and local families at the official opening of the playground on April 7.
