Listening to children when designing the state-of-the-art Towradgi Park play space has paid off big time for Wollongong City Council.

The Towradgi playground, which opened last year, was recently awarded the national Playspace Award of Excellence from Parks and Leisure Australia.

The award recognised the unique involvement of children and community members in developing the $500,000 playground.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the big turnouts from visitors and locals alike  showed the  park was exciting. 

The biggest rocket ship slide (six metres long and seven metres tall) in Australia continues to be one of the most popular attractions. 

Councillor Bradbery said local school children told the council  they wanted to climb, spin, slide, rock and swing.

The playground has a maritime-themed rope structure, aligned to the nearby 1800s ship wreck of the Queen of Nations. 

It is boarded by black rocks, a feature of the nearby Towradgi Point.

The  award also highlighted that the Towradgi Park play space incorporated natural landscaping elements with play. It had a  climbing net,  extensive shading and seating for families and carers.

‘‘I would like to invite all community members in the city to visit this playground to see for themselves how wonderful the different play areas are and also to use the public seating and barbecue equipment at the site. 

‘‘It’s a wonderful part of our city,’’ Cr Bradbery said.