Lake Macquarie City Council’s asset manager, Helen Plummer, said improving facilities at local parks had flow-on health and wellbeing benefits for people in the surrounding community.

“Each year, council renews up to four playgrounds, to ensure that our facilities continue to provide safe and engaging play spaces for children and families,” Ms Plummer said.

“The playground features seating, spider swing and infant swing, a climbing structure and more.”

The improved facility caters to children from the ages of two to 12 years, she said.

The playground had been scheduled to open in May, but was completed ahead of schedule and opened the day before Good Friday.

Meanwhile, council said it had dismantled the playground in nearby Pantowara Street as it had reached its use-by date.

“The Pantowara Street playground is located only 220 metres from the playground at Shingle Splitters Park and, as this was an ageing playground with equipment in poor condition, council has opted to consolidate these assets to create a bigger, better play space for the community to enjoy,” a council spokesperson said.

“Seating facilities will remain in the reserve at the end of Pantowara Street for the community’s use.”

Rathmines playground equipment restored