Barney's Cafe

Community news

New Bookham Playground — Now Open!

A welcoming new place for children, families and travellers to play, pause and connect at the Bookham village rest stop.

Playground quick facts

A vision more than a decade in the making

The Bookham Community Association identified the need for a playground and led the effort to turn the idea into reality. For more than ten years, local people kept working toward a dedicated place where children and families could gather.

The finished playground forms part of Yass Valley Council's Bookham Masterplan. It gives local families a much-needed recreational space and offers travellers a welcoming reason to stop, stretch their legs and enjoy Bookham.

Support that made it possible

Major funding support

Squadron Energy was the project's largest funding contributor, providing a grant through the proposed Bookham Wind Farm and the Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund. Its support was announced in May 2026.

Council and community

Yass Valley Council supported the project within the Bookham Masterplan, while the Bookham Community Association shaped the vision and led the work that brought the playground to life.

Bookham came together to celebrate

The official Saturday opening event welcomed local residents and representatives from across the community, including Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones, Yass Valley councillors, Association President Tess Julian, Squadron Energy representatives, and local families.

Play, stretch, then visit Barney's

The playground is a new reason for families to pause in Bookham. After playtime, Barney's Cafe is nearby for fresh coffee, homemade food and cakes.

Find the playground or view our menu.

Read the source announcements from Yass Valley Council and Squadron Energy.