![three people at new playground equipment](https://regionillawarra.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Beardsley-Park-1200x800.jpg)
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer (centre) with councillors Kellie Marsh and Chris Gow at the new Bardsley Park. Photo: Shellharbour Council.
If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids for a play and picnic during the school holidays, there’s a new park at Shellharbour North Beach that’s worth checking out.
The new playground at Bardsley Park includes a climbing frame, swings suitable for adults and kids, an ocean-themed seesaw with accessible platform, a nature play trail, a balance beam and hopping logs.
The play space also features a communication board that helps neurodiverse people communicate using pictures rather than words, similar to installations at Skiway Park in Oak Flats and Flinders Green in Flinders.
Shellharbour City Council created the playground design using community feedback gathered during the consultation phase last year.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the new playground catered to a range of uses and was a wonderful space for people of all ages.
![Swings in a park](https://regionillawarra.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/5-1-1200x795.jpg)
Swings made for two at the new Bardsley Park. Photo: Shellharbour Council.
“Due to its beachside location, the park is perfect for children’s play, picnics or just taking in views of the ocean,” he said.
“We have made good use of the existing trees [heritage-listed Norfolk Island pines] so there is plenty of natural shade mixed along with the two shade-covered picnic tables.
“Council chose nature play pieces and light hardwood timber to complement the natural setting of the coastal park.”
In coming weeks, a new public artwork by Carla Gottgens will be installed next to the playground.
Titled Long Distance, the work will comprise two whale tails to represent the annual journey of humpback whales on their migratory path past Shellharbour.