From November to December 2024, we asked for your feedback on plans to triple the size of Maitland Park Citywide Playspace. We received 442 responses through an online survey and pop-up session at the site, with 70 per cent of respondents supportive of the initial concept design. Thank you to everyone who got involved!

Respondents said they would like to see historical and environmental themed play elements, with the top priorities for the space being adventure play, water play and toddler active play. The community also supported the need for inclusivity, accessibility, preservation of natural and heritage features, and supporting infrastructure.

Based on your feedback, we developed an updated concept design which was endorsed by Council on 15 July 2025.

Key changes

  • Fully fenced site with entry and exit gates around the site
  • An accessible footpath surrounding the playspace
  • Increased water play area with more play elements
  • Increased inclusive and accessible items and surfacing
  • Additional sound and sensory items added
  • Environmental theming throughout reflecting the significant trees and the Hunter River
  • Increased supporting infrastructure including seating, picnic shelters and BBQ
  • Retention of learn to ride
  • Increased canopy trees and shade structures.

While currently unfunded, we will continue to seek funding opportunities for the staged delivery of these projects, with timelines to be determined once funding is secured. For more information, refer to the Council Meeting agenda and minutes in the document library.

Final concept design

Updated concept design for the Maitland Park Playspace

It is noted that the current concept design is high level and it is anticipated that as the concept progresses through detailed design, some details may change such as gate locations to enter the playspace.

Initial concept design

Initial concept design for Maitland Park Playspace

Play types

  • Nature play

    Playing in nature is important for developing capacities for creativity, symbolic play, problem solving and intellectual development, helping children to acquire gross motor skills, eye-hand coordination as they can touch, play and manipulate natural materials.

    Features may include:

    • Use of natural elements like timber, stone, sand, soil and water, e.g. mud/sand pit, water fountains, animal sculptures,
    • Log steppers, balance log,
    • Timber teepee, totem pole

  • Adventure play

    This hero item will provide an iconic attraction to the site using a theme that is selected by the community. Adventure play enables children to learn from their mistakes, build resilience, help understand their limits, teaches risk assessment, self-regulating behaviours and important social skills.

    Features may include:

    • Climbing structure
    • Slides at different levels
    • Tunnel
    • Balancing and bouncing pieces
    • Spinners & carousels
    • Flying fox
    • Swings – including wheelchair accessible swing

  • Toddler active play

    Toddler active play is self-guided play where children learn how the world around them works by exploring their surroundings and testing their own skills. Encouraging self-guided play allows toddlers to make their own decisions and experience new situations. both of which are fundamental elements of active play and a healthy part of early childhood development.

    Features may include:

    • Medium tower with slides
    • Musical items
    • Themed play
    • Trampolines
    • Swings
    • Digital play items

  • Water play

    Water play activities help to develop and strengthen children's gross and fine motor skills. Water play is an open-ended activity, which allows children to make discoveries and explore outcomes. Actions like pouring, scrubbing, squirting, stirring and squeezing are all important movements that lead to increased fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination,

    Features may include:

    • Water splash
    • Water channel, water pump and gate
    • Bridge
    • Stabilised boulders

  • Kids junior bike area

    Riding and rolling/scootering require the coordination of multiple motor skills, such as pedalling, steering, and balancing, and these skills contribute to overall motor development in children, boosting a child's self-confidence and self-esteem.

    Features may include:

    • Learn to ride or junior pump track
    • Seating
    • Picnic shelter