By Jessica Anstice
A multi-million dollar fantasy-themed playground and park in Berwick is set to commence its first stage of construction in August.
Located at the highest point of Minta Estate’s 116 hectare community, the unique fairytale park is expected to become a reality when it officially opens in late 2021.
The major $3.5 million park design underwent extensive community consultation with existing and future residents including a vote which revealed the theme of ‘fantasy’ as the most popular.
Designed to bring many favourite childhood fairy tales to life, the park includes a castle with an Excalibur sword set in stone, Sherwood Forest complete with teepees, and a life-size steel ‘climbing’ horse.
The castle also includes multiple slides, disabled access walkways, rockers and sand play.
“We are excited to unveil the Minta park design and look forward to bringing this vision to life,” Stockland Minta Park project director Kerry Balci said.
“The new Minta park is set to be full of magic as it’s filled with castles, knights, princesses and fairies. At the centre, children will find a three-level timber castle where they can announce themselves as either king or queen.
“Our parks and play spaces are an integral part of our communities and they provide an opportunity for residents to interact with one another and enjoy a healthy and active outdoor lifestyle.”
Accompanying the future park design is an open air amphitheatre designed to cater for large events and community activities.
The multipurpose space is located on top of the Minta Hilltop Reserve that allows guests ample space for collaboration or a quiet place to work alone.
“The gathering space will be able to accommodate a range of day-time and evening community events including: movie nights, weekly group yoga sessions, farmers markets and food trucks – perfect for the whole family,” she added.
“As part of the future Owners Corporation appointed at Minta, a dedicated ‘community placemaker’ will be in charge of running an annual calendar of events that will activate the space at different times of the day – so it really is designed by and for the residents.”
Urban Edge Landscape director, Nicholas Rose, worked with Stockland to design the park.
“We wanted to shape a collaborative space that aligned with Stockland’s ambition to create more inclusive and accessible play spaces in Australia,” Mr Rose said.
“Minta Park allows for the perfect balance between reality and fantasy: children can get swept up in the fairytale world of the playground, while adults can read a book under the canopy of the existing trees and watch the children play.”
