Builder appointed for Rippleside play space

THE construction of a new multimillion-dollar inclusive play space for Geelong will begin this month.

The Rippleside Inclusive Playspace will be the first of its kind in Geelong once complete, supported by $2.1 million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, $910,000 from the Victorian government, and $1.7 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

Real estate developer Quintessential will also provide a $300,000 contribution along with the Touched by Olivia Foundation through an in-kind partnership.

Cr Eddy Kontelj said the new play space will be transformative for young children living in the Greater Geelong region.

“I am thankful for the Council’s support in backing this project and look forward to seeing it come to life.”

The Rippleside Inclusive Playspace will include sensory and artistic equipment, fully accessible Changing Places toilet facilities and accessible pathways.

The park was designed in consultation with children and families with lived experience of a disability, local school children and residents.

Deputy Prime Minister and Corio federal member Richard Marles said having an all-inclusive play space is something the Geelong community has been waiting for.

“It will be fantastic to see work soon commence on this new play space, which will provide an inclusive and welcoming space for children, families and the wider community to come together, play and learn for years to come,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

The play space will be delivered by Orior Construct, who was awarded the contract by the City of Greater Geelong at its recent August Council meeting.

“I want to congratulate Orior on its bid and thank both the Australian and Victorian governments, as well as Quintessential and the Touched by Olivia Foundation, for the funding provided for this project,” Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said.

“Play spaces that are inclusive offer so many benefits to local communities, including providing interactive play and bringing greater access for everyone to our urban areas.”

The Rippleside Inclusive Playspace is expected to be complete in mid-2025, and will replace the much-loved existing playground which was opened in 2001.