It’s official! Work is now underway on the construction of a huge new inclusive playground and water play area at Foreshore Park in Newcastle East.
This landmark project is set to become one of the city’s top family-friendly destinations, offering a fun and accessible space for kids of all ages and abilities to play together.
Foreshore Park Livvi’s Place is the centrepiece of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan and will celebrate Newcastle’s industrial, maritime, and Indigenous heritage in a way that’s designed for everyone to enjoy.
City of Newcastle has teamed up with Regal Innovations to bring this playspace to life, with completion expected by late 2026.
The playground will be located at the western end of Foreshore Park and will feature four separate zones, including junior and toddler play areas, a water play zone, nature-based play areas, and quiet spaces for kids who need a break.
The playground will be full of Newcastle character, including a central whale-themed swing set and picnic area paying tribute to the city’s Worimi and Awabakal heritage.
There’s other Newcastle elements as well. The waterplay area will be linked to Newcastle’s maritime history and coastal ecologies, while an elevated “nuts and bolts” play structure will symbolise Newcastle’s strong industrial ties and include an accessible ramp to the first level of the tower.
An accessible slide, sandpit, carousel and sensory pathway are among the other key features of the inclusive design.
Navigation through the space will be made easier with a logical and accessible path of travel, while charging points for wheelchairs and mobility devices are also included.
The playspace will be complemented by a fully accessible amenities building and kiosk, which is currently under construction in Foreshore Park to serve the broader precinct. It includes unisex ambulant toilets, a parent’s change room, and a Changing Places facility.
The inclusive playspace project is the result of more than five years of input, with lots of local input from families, kids, and community groups. It’s been designed using the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines to ensure the space is welcoming, fun, and inclusive for everyone.
The Foreshore Park projects are supported by the NSW Government, Variety the Children’s Charity, the Touched by Olivia Foundation and the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund
We can’t wait to see this incredible new space open for families next year!