The days of searing play equipment in the summertime sun at Queen Elizabeth Park’s playground will soon be over.
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Rotary Club of Taree on Manning’s Sunrise Group has collaborated with local sculptor Lee Black, Uncle Russell Saunders and MidCoast Council to construct shade shelters at the site.
Sculptor and designer Lee Black said the construction has been almost two years in the making.
“We came up with a few options before settling on this,” Mr Black said.
“It was the right choice for the project.”
The shelters are in the shape of artificial trees and feature the designs of local artist Uncle Russell Saunders.
Each tree will have eight panels that will feature Mr Saunders’ Aboriginal inspired works.
As the sun rises over the shelters, the outline of the designs will be strewn across the playground as shadow.
“It will highlight the natural surroundings of Taree,” Mr Black said.
“These are really detailed designs.”
The position of the shelters is to comply with the harsh summer sun while also adhering to safety regulations.
“It had to be at least two metres away from the equipment,” Mr Black said.
“It will also stop vandalism or damage.”
As the position of the sun moves later in the day, trees outside of the playground will provide adequate shelter.
This isn’t the first structure that Mr Black has crafted in the Taree CBD.
He created the abacus and bike rack structures on Victoria Street.
It will highlight the natural surroundings of Taree.
- Lee Black
Rotary Club of Taree on Manning’s Ken Raison was pleased with the development.
“It’s a collaboration between council, the Rotary club and artisans,” Mr Raison said.
“We’ll hopefully have it open in September.”
Mr Raison said the Rotary club will look at officially unveiling the shelters with council, developers and local preschoolers.
