The playground was due to be built last October, but was temporarily put on hold in August when it was revealed Indigenous artefacts were discovered at the Marsupial Park. 

A date is yet to be set for the epic, volunteer-run construction of the playground, as Tamworth Regional Council is currently in negotiations with archaeologist Pat Gaynor, who will work with the local Aboriginal Land Council to record and preserve the artefacts in the coming weeks. 

The news comes after council was issued an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit from the Office of the Environment and Heritage late last week, allowing them to disturb the site. 

Fiona Snape, chief executive officer of the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council, said they had agreed to have the artefacts collected, catalogued and housed at the keeping place at the Botanical Gardens. 

“It’s a solution and it’s about the Aboriginal community working collaboratively with the wider community,” Ms Snape said. 

“Aboriginal kids will be playing on that site as well.”

Tamworth Aboriginal Land Council member Barry Cain said there were a variety of artefacts discovered, from ceremonial objects to day-to-day tools, which sang of the area’s great history spanning tens of thousands of years. 

Tamworth Adventure Playground committee member Charles Impey said dates for the build would soon be announced, but in the meantime he had 

spoken with Ms Snape about commissioning an Indigenous artwork for the playground.

The committee has also received a funding boost of more than $15,000 through the 

Northcott FundAbility program, which will go towards a spinning pyramid, suitable for children and youth with autism.