An artistic rendering of what the new splash park will look like. Image: Cumberland City Council
RESIDENTS around Granville Park at Merrylands, Sydney, are going to have to put up with the sounds of construction for some time.
Cumberland City Council is rebuilding the park, including the Laurie Ferguson Splash Park, named after the former State Member of Parliament for Granville who served from 1984 to 1990.
Construction is due to start mid-2025, and the splash park will be closed for the duration of the $5 million project.
The playground will also be redesigned with new play facilities and there will be new amenities such as modern change facilities and toilets.
Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed is thrilled about the Laurie Ferguson Splash Park; she says it will be key to a council commitment to improving public spaces.
“Local playgrounds offer a free way to entertain children while providing a safe and enjoyable space for them to spend their free time close to home.”
She points out that these parks “are one of the few free public spaces left where families can relax without the burden of cost-of-living pressures”.
“… the rebuild of the Laurie Ferguson Splash Park will provide even more opportunities for the community to come together, engage in outdoor activities, and enjoy a more inclusive, active lifestyle.
“I can’t wait to see everyone making the most of these massive improvements!”
GROWING DEMAND
Council has recently completed upgrades to the following parks: Civic Park (Pendle Hill), Phillips Park (Lidcombe), Ruth Street Park (Merrylands West), Norman Park (Auburn), Kulgun Park (Auburn), Canal Road Park (Greystanes) and Alderson Park (Merrylands).
It will also upgrade other parks which will be listed online at www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/playgrounds.
The Cumberland Local Government Area (LGA) is experiencing strong population growth; its population has grown from 237,087 in 2021 to 252,399 in 2024 and is forecast to surpass 300,000 people in 2036, according to council.
