Blast off!

Works completed - playground and commemorative space open

The new commemorative shelter was unveiled recently, recognising the 75th anniversary of the world’s first successful radio observations from the sun using a RAAF WWII radar unit at the site.

The new playground has been described as ‘out of this world’ and includes a swing set with three swinging options, a climbing box with monkey bars, a junior rocket ship with slide, a spinning capsule, a rocker and more.

The astronomy themed playground links with the historical background of the site to suit a range of ages and abilities. The new shade structure, seating and a water refill station make it extra comfortable for all.

Thank you to those who provided comments on the development of this space.

Community feedback helps shape design

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on this project.

Community engagement revealed that there is strong support for efforts to recognise and celebrate the radio astronomy history of Plateau Park, and for the creation of a commemorative space.

  • Some locals did not know about the historical nature of the park and were pleasantly surprised.
  • This project has attracted the attention of many people with a link to the field of radio astronomy.

Community feedback also helped us refine final designs for the playspace. The new space-themed inclusive playground will:

  • feature a range of activities suitable for different ages and abilities
  • have a new artificial shade structure that will provide sun protection for the entire playground area
  • have a new water bubbler and refill station nearby
  • retain existing cricket safety nets in their current location
  • have improved pedestrian paths and connections to it.

Other requests received during consultation related to sporting group needs and additional reserve improvements. These are outside the scope of this project and subject to funding and additional consultation. Some of the feedback will be considered as part of the Open Space and Recreation Strategy.

View the full community engagement report here.

Works on the playground and commemorative space are due to start late August, with completion expected in October 2020. The playground area will be closed during this time.

Final playground design

Plateau Park: a historic site

Joseph Lade Pawsey MSc PhD (1908-1962) conducted Australia's first successful experiment to detect radio waves from the sun on 3 October 1945 at the Radar Station at Plateau Park, Collaroy Plateau. He then became the leader of CSIRO's Radiophysics Radio Astronomy Division from 1945 till his death in 1962.

The work of Joseph Pawsey has led to the development and commercialisation of modern technologies including wi-fi.

We’re proposing a playground upgrade and commemorative space to celebrate the site's history (as part of Council’s Playground Renewal Program).

Further information

In 2016, Northern Beaches Council endorsed the development of a commemorative space in Plateau Park to celebrate the local and international significance of the Plateau Park radar station from the war years to its threads as radio astronomical heritage in space exploration.

Project deliverables for 2019/20 include:

  • a playground upgrade featuring astronomy-themed elements
  • the installation of a commemorative space featuring a new shelter and seating, with important texts and historical information regarding the discovery of radio astronomy.

Outside the scope of this project, we're proposing future works for Plateau Park Reserve that are subject to funding and additional consultation.

We're also exploring art and community grants to fund additional commemorative space designs for the reserve.

View the draft Plateau Park Landscape Concept Plan.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Consultation on draft concept designs

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Designs in development

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    Construction begins

  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    Playground re-opens - blast off!

Enquiries:

Lisa Waugh

Asset Management Officer

Parks and Recreation Team

Email or 1300 434 434