Manildra Playground Activating Community
An all-ages fun and fitness hub is bringing together the central west New South Wales community of Manildra, where Manildra Group’s flagship flour mill has operated round-the-clock since 1952.
Funded by Manildra Group, the modern playground precinct at Montana Park in the heart of the quaint township of 800, has been bustling since completion the week before Christmas.
Manildra Flour Mill Manager John Gorringe said, “the new playground will provide space for imagination, games and play for many years to come”.
Mr Gorringe said the project was designed to “provide hours of healthy entertainment for children of all ages and abilities – and those of us who are still young at heart”.
Mother-of-two and Manildra Flour Mill Export Coordinator, Ashley Gosper, said the enjoyment for 160 local youngsters encouraged daily exercise for physical fitness, motor skill development, and family entertainment that fostered a sense of community.
Since being officially opened by Manildra District Improvement Association Committee Member Sue Reynolds at the end of 2022, the modern Moduplay equipment has seen plenty of action beside the picnic and skate park areas, not far from the town pool and both primary schools.
In addition to the traditional carousel and a net swing are a stainless-steel flying fox that soars more than 25 metres through the air, a two-metre-tall climbing wall to test the stamina and courage of young climbers, and spring rockers for strengthening the grip of smaller starters.
“With fast-moving action to keep children and adults of any age fit, many families are gathering to work out together and allow the kids to release some energy in fun and healthy play,” said Ms Reynolds.
Mr Gorringe said the century-old mill foregrounded Manildra Group’s commitment to sustainable rural communities and regional industries, in partnership with Australian farming families and generations of workers, as the central west region’s largest private employer.
“We’re building pride and a sense of ownership in a place we can all come together to have fun and enjoy everything Manildra has to offer,” Mr Gorringe said.
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