It’s all play at Kingston Park’s new playground

OCEAN Grove families have an exciting new place to play after the official opening of the redeveloped Kingston Park playground on Adco Grove last week.
It was officially opened by Mayor Bruce Harwood and Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville on Friday, with students from Surfside Primary the first to test it out.
The sub-regional playground, within the 12.5 hectare Kingston Park Recreation Reserve, has been carefully designed to fit into its natural bushland setting.
It features many accessible play spaces including a birds nest swing, sand digger and new connecting pathways to other play elements.
There are also passive and active play areas, rope climb and a unique butterfly shade structure.
Add to that the nearby barbeque and toilet facilities and the park is now a perfect venue for getting children outdoors and active, or for holding social gatherings and events.
The centrepiece is a six-metre high central tower with two slides, chosen via a community vote.
Mayor Bruce Harwood said Kingston Park had been a much-loved playground in Ocean Grove for a long time and this major redevelopment would mean it continues to be enjoyed by the community for years to come.
“The playground fits beautifully into its natural setting and based on the excited reaction at today’s opening event, it’s already a huge hit with local children,” Mr Harwood said.
Surrounded by native vegetation, including rare Bellarine Yellow Gum, the playground itself also incorporates elements that fit a ‘landscape as playground’ theme.
Parts of the design reference the local flora and fauna, and these are explained in story posts throughout the landscaping.
The $370,000 redevelopment was co-funded by the City of Greater Geelong ($270,000) and the Victorian Government ($100,000).
Ms Neville said Kingston Park’s playground had been reborn and was bigger and better than ever so Bellarine Peninsula families and visitors could enjoy a great day out.
“I’m sure the community will love the new equipment, which has been designed so people of all abilities can play to their heart’s content,” Ms Neville said.
“Playgrounds play a vital part in encouraging children of all abilities to get outdoors, get active, and build their skills, and put simply it is just fun for all which we are so happy to contribute towards.”
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Ocean Grove, the old playground equipment is not going to waste.
It is being refurbished and sent to Sri Lanka where it can be enjoyed by children abroad.