Attention 'Star Wars' fans: a space-themed park is coming to Denman Prospect

Got a child obsessed with Star Wars, Buzz Lightyear or Guardians of the Galaxy? Check out this awesome news: a huge astronomy-themed park is being built in Canberra’s west.

Located in the heart of Denman Prospect, the new park is being built “for Canberrans of all ages” and will include an elevated boardwalk, loads of shaded picnic and barbecue areas, and – best of all – an astronomy-themed playground.

The new Denman Village Park is so big it’s being built in three stages, and will service the entire Molonglo Valley region (and likely the whole of Canberra) once it’s complete. It’s drawing on nearby Mount Stromlo Observatory for its outer space theme.

“The night sky has always played an important role in the design of Denman Prospect,” says Bridget Bence, project manager with the developer behind Denman Prospect, Capital Estate Developments.

“That theme continues with a new playground within the park.”

An eight-metre high play structure with a rounded dome roof – just like the one at Mount Stromlo Observatory – will form the centrepiece of the new playground.

The dome will have climbable nets and ladders inside, and constellation patterns mapped on its interior walls for kids to explore the construct of the night sky above Canberra. As well as the towering dome, the playground will include a flying fox, a water play area, swings and a sandpit for accessible and inclusive play.

Just as impressive as the playground though, are the park’s toilets.

If they look kind of familiar, that’s because they’re inspired by Canberra’s retro bus stops. According to Bridget, the toilet block structure at Denman Village Park will feature a unique rounded concrete roof and intricate brickwork.

“We love that two Canberra icons, the Observatory and our bus stops, are both brought to life within the park,” Bridget says.

“Future stages of Denman Village Park will include even more features to relax, play in and enjoy, like kickabout fields, courts, and ponds.”

Denman Village Park will be connected to Denman Village Shops via a walkway with staggered seating.

Construction on Stage 1 of the park is underway and expected to be complete early next year.