ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher, today officially open the completed accessible play space and associated upgrade works at Black Mountain Peninsula District Park.

"I'm very pleased to officially open the upgraded play space and park facilities at Black Mountain Peninsula today, which will provide even better recreation opportunities for the community," the Chief Minister said.

"The ACT Government committed $1.5 million - including $200,000 for the play space - as part of the Town and District Park Upgrade Program to enhance visitor and recreation facilities at Black Mountain Peninsula District Park in Acton.

"A further $100,000 contribution from the Australian Government as part of an Accessible Communities Grant has also enabled accessibility upgrades to the existing play space providing improvements for both children and adults with a wide range of abilities," the Chief Minister said.

The upgrades include improved pram and wheelchair access; a range of inclusive play elements for children; shade sails; new fencing, pavement and seating walls; improvements to the existing liberty swing area and interactive art in the form of large playful life buoys. In collaboration with Cranleigh School, 'chat boards' have also been installed for non-verbal children.

The Chief Minister said upgrades to picnic and barbeque facilities including new shelters, tree planting as well as improvements to the two parking areas has also further enhanced visitor experience in the park. The barbeque upgrade was funded separately from the 2011/12 Barbeque Upgrades Program.

"Work has also been undertaken to enhance the surrounding park area with a new 1.5 kilometre shared loop path around the perimeter of the Peninsula with new seating, cycle racks and drinking fountains for pedestrians and cyclists.

"The new cycle path section along Garryowen Drive gives riders a scenic views east across the lake. Utilising recycled material, new seating featured along the path has been crafted out of timber from the old Tharwa Bridge.

"The ACT Government continues to provide safe, accessible and interesting recreation opportunities for Canberrans. The play space and park upgrades at Black Mountain Peninsula District Park will ensure our community and visitors continue to enjoy access to the lake whether for picnicking, cycling, playing or just strolling the water's edge," the Chief Minister concluded.