The suburb of Giralang is to have a new recreational area thanks to collaboration between the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate and the developers of the adjacent shopping centre.
The area will include a number of play areas for a range of ages, including a small dirt bike trail, climbing logs and a solar clock, as well as trees and other plantings.
Minister for Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris said the recreational area was an outcome of extensive community consultation.
“During community consultation led by my colleague, Suzanne Orr, it was clear that the Giralang community desired a space where they could engage in a range of community activities,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“We have listened to the feedback from the community and hope the Giralang community is pleased with the final design.”
The Minister said timber from the old Tharwa Bridge had been retained after its restoration in 2011 and would be painted by Giralang children to form some key elements of the new Giralang Park.
“We’re very excited to be able to inject some of Canberra’s heritage into the new public space,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Tharwa Bridge is the oldest standing bridge in the ACT, first built in 1895.”
She said the timber would be reused and repurposed in the new Giralang Park, used as bench seats and retaining walls.
Ms Fitzharris said construction has begun, with completion scheduled for the end of the year.
She said further works to be completed by the developer, including car parking, additional seating, shade structures, a stage and landscaping, if approved, will be delivered as part of the shopping centre redevelopment program in 2018–19.
