Paxton Public proud of their new shade sails

Published on 07 April 2021

Cessnock City Mayor Councillor Bob Pynsent made a special visit to Paxton Public School to celebrate the new shade sails that have recently been installed at Paxton Park.

It was all smiles from the students, as some of them had written to Mayor Pynsent back in 2019 asking for shade to be installed in their local park.

Mayor Pynsent said it’s always important to listen to feedback from residents, and especially when it involves some of the youngest residents in the local government area.

“We want our young people to be engaged with Council and here we have a group of students in Paxton who really care about their community and what it offers them. They were very clear about some of the issues experienced on a warm day when playing in the park. Everything from the equipment becoming too hot to touch and concerns about their sun safety.”

Council listened carefully to the ten students and set about looking for a way to fund the installation of a shade structure. Council secured a grant under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program and recently installed two large shade sails. 

Relieving Principal Teri Clark said the students were excited to see their writing served a real life purpose.

“Two years ago teacher Miss Mexon was working with our year four, five and six classes on persuasive texts. The students came up with the idea of convincing Mayor Pynsent to put shade over our much loved shared park. The students wrote wonderful letters and were excited when he responded and visited. Something they’ll remember forever. I’m excited for the students who are now in year seven and eight who will realise their writing and passion for community made a lasting impact.”

Mayor Pynsent said one of the great privileges of being Mayor of Cessnock City is when you listen and can deliver to meet the needs community members.

For more information on the Community Building Partnership Program visit the website.