Bus Trip to Galing Gindhay Water Play Park and Parkes Wetlands (Homegrown Parkes)

The new GALING GINDHAY (‘water play’ in local Wiradjuri language) park in Parkes has provided a unique space for the community to engage with and learn from. It provides a unique learning experience about the local Lachlan catchment area’s water story through informative signage and interactive elements to explain the physics and engineering aspects through ‘dams’ of stainless steel, water locks and climbing rocks. The park also integrates local Wiradjuri culture through design and informative signage, offering a space for play and education.

The bus trip will also travel to view the Waders and Woodlands: Parkes Wetlands project. Parkes Shire Council has been working to turn old wastewater treatment ponds into a vibrant wetland ecosystem. Specialised wetland designers, extensive earthmoving, and community revegetation efforts have been key in the transformation, along with the installation of locally sourced stag trees and root balls. The recycled water system in Parkes plays a crucial role in sustaining the wetland, which now supports diverse native flora and fauna. This project has the potential to become a vital biodiversity conservation area in Parkes Shire.