Michaela Howie Playground Archives

Michaela Howie Playground Reopens at Dee Why Beach After Major Upgrade

The Michaela Howie Playground has reopened at Dee Why Beach with a fresh coastal-themed design, creating a joyful space for families while honouring a local toddler who passed away more than 20 years ago.

Refreshed Space With Local Input

Located in Ted Jackson Reserve near the sand at Dee Why Beach, the Michaela Howie Playground was redesigned with ideas from the local community. Residents asked for more seating, shade, and a beach-inspired theme, all now included in the upgraded space.

*Photo Credit: Mandeep Singh Sunny Councillor/Facebook*

Children can enjoy new swings, climbing frames, a fireman’s pole, and imaginative features like a dolphin, fishing rod, and play boat. The playground is built for kids aged 0 to 8, with safe surfacing, bright colours, and shaded seating for parents.

Remembering Michaela Howie

The playground was named in memory of Michaela Howie, a 15-month-old local girl who died in a car crash with her parents in 2003. Her family, with deep roots in Dee Why, hoped the space would honour her while bringing joy to others.

At the reopening on 8 July 2025, the Howie family joined the community to celebrate the upgraded playground. The space is expected to be well-loved by locals and visitors, especially on weekends and school holidays.

Construction And Safety

Crews began construction on the playground in February 2025 but briefly paused in March after discovering non-friable asbestos in the soil. Licensed professionals quickly secured and cleared the site, allowing work to resume shortly after.

Designers kept the upgrade within the original footprint, adding turf and retaining walls to improve access without disturbing nearby trees. Despite the hiccup, the project stayed on track and wrapped up in time for a winter reopening.

Funding And Future Use

The $550,000 upgrade was co-funded by local and state contributions, with $250,000 coming from the NSW Government. Community leaders gathered at the reopening to honour the Howie family and celebrate the space’s renewed purpose.

While more play areas across the region are set for future upgrades, this one holds special meaning for the Dee Why community. It’s more than a playground, it’s a tribute to togetherness, joy, and the voices that helped shape it.

Published 01-August-2025

Asbestos Discovery Halts Michaela Howie Playground Upgrade in Dee Why

Photo Credit: Manly Observer/Facebook

Asbestos was found at Dee Why’s Michaela Howie Playground during renovation works, leading to a short-term closure and safety clean-up.

Dee Why Playground Shut After Asbestos Found Mid-Renovation

A significant upgrade to Michaela Howie Playground near Dee Why Beach has hit a troubling delay after asbestos was discovered on-site. The popular playground, which has been undergoing renovations since February 2025, has been closed off while the hazardous material is safely removed.

The Northern Beaches Council is leading the project, which features new play equipment, synthetic soft-fall surfacing, better fencing, accessible pathways, and more seating with shade. However, progress was briefly disrupted in late March when bonded asbestos was found during excavation for a retaining wall.

Construction and Safety Measures

Council confirmed the material was non-friable, meaning it posed a lower risk as the fibres were contained and not easily airborne. The area was quickly secured with fencing and signage, and a licensed asbestos removal contractor was brought in to handle the clean-up following SafeWork NSW guidelines.

Remediation work was carried out over two days, and nearby residents were notified in advance.

Community Input Shapes Playground Design

In 2023, the Council sought community feedback for the playground upgrade, receiving over 50 responses. Locals wanted more engaging play equipment and extra seating. While some pushed for a larger overhaul, the final design was limited by space, height restrictions, and budget.

The playground is dedicated to the memory of Michaela Howie, a local toddler who died in a car crash with her parents in 2004. A commemorative plaque remains a key feature in the new layout, ensuring the space remains connected to the community’s history.

Alternative Play Areas During Closure

During the ongoing works, the playground remains closed to the public. Parents and carers are encouraged to visit nearby parks such as James Meehan Reserve, Walter Gors Park, and The Crescent Reserve.

Despite the asbestos incident, Council expects the Dee Why playground to reopen as planned by May 2025, barring weather delays. All safety and environmental regulations are being followed to ensure the site is safe for children and families once completed.

Published 7-April-2025