Community development officer Stacey Diemar said the playground project was the first of its kind in Port Stephens.

“This project was a key strategy from council’s Child Friendly Communities program which aimed to create an opportunity for children of Karuah to actively participate in the design of Longworth Park,” she said.

“This is the first child friendly play space designed entirely by children, for children and now it’s time to come together and celebrate.”

After school on Friday children and families involved in the project had an opportunity to celebrate the playground’s official launch with a sausage sizzle and play in the park.

“The students at Karuah Primary School were enthused, respectful and an absolute pleasure to work with,” Mrs Diemar said.

“The ideas and visions for Longworth Park extended beyond thinking about what they wanted for themselves; to incorporate what they felt was important for their family, friends and even pets,” she said.

As well as play equipment the new park features a path made of individually-designed clay bricks decorated by the children of Karuah Public School.

“The spirit of these children is something the community of Karuah can be very proud of.”