The upgraded facilities include an all-inclusive playground with play tower, swings, rope course, see-saw, rain wheel and sand play table; a skate bowl and pump track; pathways, shade shelters and seating; and a new 82 space car park on the western side of the park.
The new play space compliments the installation of three exercise stations and connecting path that were installed in 2021.
The new spaces form part of the Ernest Grant Park Master Plan, which was developed in close consultation with the local community, the adjacent Thurgoona Public School and local sporting groups, and endorsed by Council in April 2020.
They were designed by leading architecture firm PLAYCE, who also designed the award-winning Albury Skate Park, which opened in December 2021.
The $1.4m project was supported by a $300,000 grant from the NSW Government's Every One Can Play Program, as well as a $1.1m contribution from AlburyCity who managed the construction of the new facilities.
AlburyCity Mayor Kylie King said the upgraded park gives Thurgoona residents a new space to get active.
"We know our growing community in Thurgoona has been asking us for more opportunities for outdoor play. The new play space at Ernest Grant Park gives our children fun new equipment to explore, whilst keeping their minds and bodies active."
"There are also lots of new spaces for locals to gather together and enjoy the outdoors, whether it be for a picnic with family and friends, or a stroll around the park for exercise."
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes the Hon. Anthony Roberts MP congratulated AlburyCity on the new play space.
“On behalf of the NSW Government, I am enormously proud of the work done by AlburyCity in delivering an inclusive play space that the entire community can enjoy and utilise."
"Thanks to our Everyone Can Play grant program, local residents in Albury now have a fantastic new facility for family fun and exercise.”
Member for Albury Justin Clancy MP said, “Thurgoona is growing - it’s critical we focus on what kind of community we are building here, on what values and sense of identity are being embodied in the very design of our city."
“Created here at Ernest Grant Park in Thurgoona is a contemporary playground, where equipment encourages active engagement by children through the ropes course, the pump track, skate park, rain wheel and more."
“But more than that, you can see this becoming a safe place for families and children to share time and connect with other locals."
“This park attracts people. Already, when I go past, I see kids active and the parents speaking with friends at this play space. I can only see this type of park going from strength to strength, continuing to build a strong community here at Thurgoona.”
Find out more about the project and view the Master Plan on the AlburyCity website.