Last chance to collect keepsake before new Rippleside playground arrives

THE new Rippleside Inclusive Playspace is expected to open in the middle of this year.

However, there is one more opportunity to retain a permanent keepsake from the much-loved former Rippleside Playground, built in 2001.

Wooden pickets made up the boundary fence, carrying the name of the person or family who purchased them, following a community fundraising and construction effort.

As the playground was removed, they were retained for people interested in keeping a permanent reminder of the wooden playground.

While people were asked to register during September and October 2024, the city is offering one final opportunity for those who missed out during the registration period.

Due to some instances of vandalism and damage at the playground across the past 20 years, not all pickets that were registered are able to be accounted for.

Cr Eddy Kontelj, chair of the council’s sports and recreation portfolio, said anticipation was growing for the new playspace.

“The new Rippleside Inclusive Playspace, a Livvi’s Place, is on track to open in the middle of the year.

“It will incorporate multi-sensory and nature play elements, helping to facilitate a range of different types of play for children of all ages and abilities.”

For more than 16 years, the Touched by Olivia charity has worked to create spaces were everyone can play, and its network of Livvi’s Place inclusive playspaces now spans more than 40 playgrounds across Australia.

People interested in collecting their picket are invited to email [email protected]

Pickets will be available for collection at the City’s Belmont Depot at 135 Barwon Heads Road on Thursday, April 3, and April 5. The collection time on both days is 8am to 12 noon.