Play time nears at Rippleside

FINAL design concepts for an all-access Rippleside playground are now open for feedback.

The City of Greater Geelong released detailed plans for its Rippleside Inclusive Play Space last week for a final round of community engagement before preparing the project for a construction tender.

The new playground would replace the current facility at Rippleside Park and would cater for people of all ages and abilities.

The city has partnered with children’s charity Touched by Olivia, which aims to build and maintain inclusive play spaces to encourage families and social groups to meet in a child-friendly environment.

Once plans are finalised, the charity and the city will call for donations from community members and businesses to fund the build, with the latest estimates expect to cost $2.5 million.

The new playground would include a suite of equipment such as slides, swings and climbing gear, nature and water play areas, and sensory and artistic elements.

An upgrade of amenities, including addition of a Changing Places all-access toilet block, a connecting path to the Bay Trail, additional seating and picnic areas are also part of the upgrade.

Council reports indicated its designs had support from organisations including Barwon Child, Youth and Family and Hamlyn Heights Specialist School during earlier rounds of consultation.

The city has opened a final survey on the plans to gauge community consensus, which is now available at its engagement website.