After being officially opened by Bathurst mayor Gary Rush, young residents took off to have their first play in the new area, which includes concrete and gravel paths, pedestrian crossings, roundabouts, signs and miniature houses.

This gives children the opportunity to pedal around a simulated urban environment while they build up their knowledge of road safety.

Cr Rush said it was a fun place for children to play but also a great educational resource that could be utilised by school groups.

“I think it is a great way to introduce young boys and girls to road safety,” he said. “It does give you the feeling that you’re riding on real roads.”

The new portion of the playground has been praised by Cr Rush for continuing to promote fun for families with children of all ages.

He hopes that school groups will soon be utilising the facility when they conduct their road safety lessons, as a special seating area has been incorporated into the design for this purpose. 

Bathurst mother Rowena Lloyd brought her son James to the Adventure Playground yesterday  to enjoy the new space.

While James was busy riding circles around Cr Rush, Ms Lloyd acknowledged the benefits the bike education track would offer children in the region.

“It is another great opportunity for the young kids to get out and be active,” she said. 

Next week, shade covers costing $30,000 will be constructed over the play equipment in response to calls for increased sun safety at the facility. 

“The shade cover will help reduce the temperature of the metal play equipment in summer and will complement the natural shade that will continue to develop throughout the playground as trees reach maturity on the site,” Cr Rush said.

Council is also in the design process for the next stage of the Adventure Playground, which will see water features added to the Mitre Street side of the site.