From playroom to playground as children’s ideas come to life in Macksville

MACKSVILLE’S youngest residents were the stars of the show at the official opening of the refurbished Partridge Street Playground.

The playground was shaped in large part by the ideas and imagination of local preschool children.

Design consultants, councillors and community members gathered to celebrate the completion of the upgrade, with students from Macksville Pre-School seeing their ideas come to life.

Gary Lee, Mayor of Nambucca Valley, said the playground’s standout features, including the castle-themed climbing structure and swings, were inspired directly by the children who use the space.

“Earlier this year, Councillor Tamara McWilliam and I spoke with students at Macksville Pre-School about upgrading the park, and we took the exciting step of going through the play equipment catalogue with them.”

“While we did have to subtly rein in their choices, allowing children to influence what play equipment Council went on to purchase was an excellent step and it’s great to stand here today and see how the children’s ideas have been realised and to officially open this revitalised Macksville playground,” the Mayor said.

The Partridge Street Playground upgrade was delivered through a $115,000 Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, Phase-4 grant.

Additional funding from Nambucca Valley Council was also provided as part of a broader program of community infrastructure improvements.

Cr Tamara McWilliam praised the quality of the new equipment and the playground’s soft-fall surface.

“The 14 children from Macksville Pre-School and nine students from St Patrick’s Primary School who joined us today absolutely loved climbing through the castle and sliding down,” Cr McWilliam said.

“This equipment helps develop children’s gross motor skills and social skills, and the castle has created wonderful opportunities for imaginative and role-play activities as well.

“It’s fantastic this playground has been updated and opened in time for the summer holidays for our community to enjoy.”

The upgrade aligns with Nambucca Valley Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2025–2026, which focuses on maintaining and improving community infrastructure to support wellbeing and social connection.

Council says the Partridge Street Playground renewal complements other recent park upgrades across the valley.

Other upgrades include the splash pad at Bellwood Park in Nambucca Heads, helping to ensure families have high-quality, inclusive spaces to gather, play and connect.

By Mick BIRTLES