We’ve watched in anticipation as the popular beachside Michaela Howie playground underwent a renovation, and it’s ready just in time for school holidays.
After an extensive refurbishment, one of our favourite play spaces – Michaela Howie Playground at Dee Why Beach is now reopening. The beautiful revitalized coastal playground, situated within Ted Jackson Reserve, boasts close proximity to all the great Dee Why cafes and restaurants, lots of surrounding green space for play or picnics, and incredible ocean views.
Northern Beaches Council, with funding from the NSW Government, has transformed the playground to provide an engaging and safe environment for children aged 0–8 years. With construction starting in Feb of this year, key upgrades include:
- two new swing sets (standard and toddler seat)
- two new play structures with a slide, platform, climbing frames and fireman’s pole
- dolphin sensory play
- imaginative boat and fishing rod play
Safety has been enhanced with soft-fall rubber and artificial grass surfacing, and additional bench seating has been installed for caregivers .
The playground’s renewal was informed by community feedback collected during consultations in April and May 2023. Residents expressed a desire for more dynamic play experiences and increased seating, which have been incorporated into the final design.
“In April and May 2023, we sought your feedback on the concept plan and heard from 51 community members,” reports Council. “You expressed a strong preference for a high-quality playground with engaging and dynamic play experiences and increased seating options.
“We also received requests for a larger-scale upgrade. However, the current playground renewal is shaped by existing size, height, and budget constraints. Your valuable input will help inform future planning decisions, including the planned renewal of the larger playground at James Meehan Reserve.”
Michaela Howie Playground is named for a little Northern Beaches local who tragically died alongside her parents in a car accident in 2003. A commemorative plaque within the playground serves as a tribute and maintains the space’s connection to the community’s history.
“The playground is named in honour of Michaela Howie, a young girl who tragically lost her life in an accident,” says Northern Beaches Council. “Michaela’s memory lives on through this playground, which continues to bring joy to countless families in the Northern Beaches area.”
The playground is set to be officially opened Tues July 8 in a ceremony with members of Council and Michaela Howie’s relatives. We’ve had a sneak peek of the completed works – and it looks fabulous! There’s some wonderful sea-themed play equipment, too.
It’s great timing for July school holidays, where we predict lots of beachside fun will be had!
Michaela Howie Playground
Where: 137 Oaks Ave, Dee Why
For details on the renewal project: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/michaela-howie-playground-renewal
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