The ACT Government continues to invest in Canberra, with the official opening of Whitlam’s first playground. The new site will be known as Blue Poles park.
“I am excited to open Blue Poles park, as Whitlam continues to grow. Recreational areas in a suburb create a vital meeting point for the community. The new park will certainly be a place to connect and stay for extended play.” ACT Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Yvette Berry commented “It’s fantastic to see a momentous artwork now come to life in a play setting, just ahead of the 50-year anniversary of its purchase by Australia. Children and families will have the opportunity to enjoy the new park – another great outdoor area for Canberra to stay active.” said Minister Berry.
Minister Berry explained that approximately 50 households currently reside in Whitlam. As the suburb grows, it will eventually be home to around 2,100 families. The Blue Poles park will be a place for play and adventure for many years to come.
The playground features several sustainable features:
- The waterplay area will reuse the water – by funnelling it into the root zones of trees within the playground
- 9,000 native shrubs and grasses
- 350 native trees
- The natural rock boulders were retrieved from other Whitlam sites during earthworks
- The name commemorates the blue poles artwork purchased back in 1973 – approved by then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.