The playground has been renewed in memory of 15 month old Michaela Howie from Dee Why, who tragically died with her parents Cameron and Shannon in a car accident in 2003. The beachside park now carries her name and continues to bring joy to thousands of local children and visitors each year.

Designed for the Coast

Northern Beaches Council’s brief was to refresh an ageing but much-loved local playground within its existing footprint and make it fit for the next generation of families. The new play space needed to feel light, bright and beachy, suit roughly 3 to 8 year olds, respond to community feedback, and stand up to constant use in a harsh coastal environment.

Designed for the Coast

The site is as coastal as it gets, set right on the Dee Why foreshore and fully exposed to salt, wind and summer heat. To make sure the new equipment can handle that, the main structures and steel components were supplied in Moduplay’s Extreme Marine specification, giving Council a longer lasting asset and reducing corrosion risk over time.

Within that framework, the play experience stays simple and active. Two swing sets, including toddler and standard seats, sit alongside two multi level play units with slides, platforms, climbing frames and a fireman’s pole. A boat, fishing rod and friendly dolphin element bring in the seaside character and give younger children an easy entry point to play

Working with a pre loved site:

Because the park was already heavily used, the renewal had to happen without losing the spirit of the original space. The layout was tightened up and rebuilt inside the existing reserve footprint so locals would still recognise “their” park once the fences came down.

During demolition and excavation, asbestos contamination was uncovered in the old ground layers. This created some unavoidable delays, but Council, contractors and our team stayed in close contact throughout. The contaminated material was removed safely and the site remediated before construction continued, giving the community confidence in the long term health of the space.

Surfacing and amenity

Michaela Howie Playground is one of the most heavily used play spaces on the Northern Beaches, so the ground treatment is critical. Synthetic softfall rubber and artificial turf have been used around the high wear play areas to stop the site turning into a dust bowl under constant traffic, with natural grass kept where it has a realistic chance of surviving. New fencing, accessible entry points, paths, upgraded seating, retaining walls and shade sails all come together to make the park easier to access, easier to supervise and more comfortable all year round.

Upper Play Area (Junior Focus):

• Easy access for younger children
• Social, sensory, and imaginative play prompts
• Lower platform heights

Lower Play Area (Senior Focus):

• Taller climbing and greater physical challenge
• Balance, reach, and skill-based play elements
• Encourages confidence, coordination, and active movement

Community and opening

The renewed playground represents a significant investment in the local area, with around $550k committed in total, including $250k in grant funding. The reopening was held on 8 July 2025 and formally declared open by NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces Stephen Bali, together with Manly MP James Griffin and Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins, in front of members of the Howie and Hanniffy families, local councillors and the project team.

On the day, the park was buzzing. Local families were already using the equipment as speeches wrapped up, which says more than any plaque can. For the Howie family, the renewed playground is a living memorial. For Council and the community, it is a safe, durable and much loved coastal play space that will continue to carry Michaela’s name for years to come.

The project includes:

• Coastal blues throughout the structures, capturing sea and sky
• Red and yellow accents inspired by surf lifesaving
• A Surfboard Balance Trail that encourages children to try their own “waves”
• Playful “fishing rod” elements that spark storytelling and roleplay
• A Boat Rocker that sets the scene for beach adventures and shared play
• 3D dolphins leaping through the rubber surf to surprise and delight during play

Together, these choices create a space where play feels connected to the coastline just beyond the neighbourhood. The design invites children to invent their own versions of the beach.

Some will stand on the deck like lifesavers scanning the waves. Others will become surfers carving imaginary swells. Some will simply come to sit with friends by the dolphins.

Products Used

Step Pods Trail

Wave Rider Rocker

Surfboard Rocker

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