Lightning Ridge Bowling Club’s impressive new play space has opened, as part of a seven-stage masterplan that aims to draw more tourists to the outback town.
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey has officially opened Lightning Ridge Bowling Club’s new outdoor children’s play facility, the latest milestone in a long-term development that’s reshaping the Club’s future.
Students from Lightning Ridge Central School were among the first to experience the new facility, with one class invited to attend the opening ceremony, enjoy lunch and put the playground through its paces.
“We wanted to provide the kids and families of Lightning Ridge a safe, no cost facility where the children would feel challenged and the parents knew that their kid’s safety was paramount,” says Lightning Ridge Bowling Club CEO Scott Bailey.
“The happy and excited kids who are enthusiastically using the facility prove that building this space was a winning decision.”
The impressive new play space has been deliberately designed to provide local families with a safe and free recreational facility while strengthening the Club’s connection with future generations.
The main outdoor structure is 20 metres in length and stands six metres high, and features four fully enclosed levels, tactile play elements and twin slippery dips.
It can accommodate up to 40 children aged between six and 12. The outdoor playground complements the Club’s existing indoor play area for younger children aged one to five, creating a dedicated family precinct.
It forms part of a larger-scale project that has been years in the making. Following extensive master planning, the Club identified family-friendly facilities as a key priority and incorporated the play area into a broader redevelopment vision.
Research by the Club found that one of the biggest barriers to participation in bowls was a lack of activities for children while parents were playing or volunteering.
The play facility formed part of the Club’s third-stage refurbishment works, which have already delivered a new foyer and reception area, main bar/auditorium, dining area, cocktail bar and three sets of bathrooms.
Looking ahead, future stages include upgrades to kitchens and function spaces, and a proposed mining museum that will celebrate the unique history of Lightning Ridge and attract additional visitors to the region.
The Club has also developed concept plans for a futuristic all-cabin caravan park, further expanding its role as a community and tourism destination.
“Ensuring the next generation feel like they are part of our community is vital if clubs are to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive landscape,” says Scott.
