Rocket ship touches down in Waverley Park

20 October 2023 | Media Release

20 October 2023

Waverley Council is thrilled to announce that the “landing” of our new rocket ship at Waverley Park playground successfully took place on Friday 20 October 2023.

The excitement began at 10.30am when the rocket ship was delivered on truck to the park, followed by being craned into place alongside a bespoke launch control play tower.

The rocket ship begins its journey to Waverley Park from our Sydney-based manufacturer. Image: Proludic.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said the installation of the new rocket ship was a sight to behold and a major milestone in the Waverley Park upgrade project, proudly co-funded by the NSW Government, through the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program, in association with the Council.

The Council received a $1.7million grant from the Public Spaces Legacy Program to assist in funding Waverley Park upgrades including the play space, park lighting upgrades, landscaping and relocation of a fitness station.

The rocket being craned into place on Friday.

“Our new rocket ship and launch tower is a modern interpretation of the park’s original rocket ship that was installed in the 1960s and is fondly remembered by generations of families,” Mayor Masselos said.

“It is set to spark joy in a new generation and inspire imaginative, creative and inclusive play.

“The rocket and launch tower is a key feature in Waverley’s newest inclusive playground and will include features to ensure everyone has a play experience they can access and enjoy.

“The play space upgrade restores the historical footprint of the original playground and enhances the existing open space for all to enjoy.

“Original playground moon rockets were installed across Australia in the 1960s, many with the support of local Rotary Clubs, following the successful installation of the first rocket in Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park based on plans developed by John Yeaman for the Blue Mountains City Council, so we are excited to continue this legacy but with a modern twist.”

Minister for Planning and Open Spaces Paul Scully said the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is a once in a generation investment in high quality public open space.

“I have no doubt residents and visitors will be embracing Waverley Park’s newest feature for moments of play, learning, and fun for decades to come,” Mr Scully said.

Attending the event, Member for Coogee Dr Marjorie O'Neill said the upgraded park provides lasting social benefits for the people of the eastern suburbs.

The Mayor and Dr O’Neill, on behalf of Minister Scully, joined children from local kindergarten, Wee Care, in visiting the site to witness the new rocket ship being secured into place.

Children from Wee Care watched the rocket ship being craned into place, and below, Dr Marjorie O'Neill and Mayor Masselos browse Wee Care's drawings of how the rocket and how they will enjoy the new play space.

The children expressed plenty of excitement for the playground’s reopening when they can finally play on it and imagine rocketing towards the stars and beyond.

Still in-construction, the new playground is nearing completion and Council looks forward to inviting the community to the grand opening event at the end of November 2023.

The upgraded play space will include:

- 2 x embankment slides
- Nature and adventure play areas
- Musical play
- Active play areas (swings, spinners and see-saw with accessible and inclusive options)
- Toddler play area
- Water play
- Rope climb for teens

The design was informed by community feedback collected across two rounds of consultation and achieves Waverley's vision to upgrade the park to a district level play space catering to all visitors as identified in Waverley Council’s Play Space Strategy, Inclusive Play Space Study and the Waverley Park Plan of Management.

“Access and inclusion is at the heart of the design for both the play space and fitness station and reflects the community’s feedback during the consultation process” Mayor Masselos said.

“Diverse age groups and abilities were taken into account so everyone can enjoy the new facilities”.

-ENDS-

Media inquiries: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532.