City playground renewal works to start this month

THE City of Greater Geelong has slated renewal works for some of its local playgrounds, with work to start at Belmont’s Francis Reserve, Highton’s Gwyther Reserve, Leopold’s Lubeck Reserve and Moolap Reserve this month.

The developments are the first phase of the city’s annual playground renewal program.

In September, work will begin on Waurn Ponds’ Malbec Loop Reserve, Breamlea Reserve and Malcolm Reserve in Clifton Springs.

The fort at East Geelong’s Pevensey Park and the climbing pyramid at Barwon Valley Fun Park will also soon be replaced.

The city has allocated $570,700 to this round of the playground renewal program.

The renewal involves replacing existing equipment, installing a seat and planting trees for shade, while the surface around the play equipment will remain as soft fall or playground safe tan bark.

Playgrounds are classified in accordance with their size, level of accessibility and choice of play and recreational activities.

The budget for upgrades and the level of supporting infrastructure and service is determined by each playground’s classification.

A local playground is the smallest play space located close to homes, offering multi-activity play equipment including swings, slides and climbing elements.

The developments are in line with the city’s Play Strategy, and aims to ensure children have somewhere to run, swing, slide and climb.

The local playground renewal follows a community consultation held late last year.

Residents were invited to have their say on what would best meet community needs as the City of Greater Geelong invited comment on its annual playground renewal program.

The city presently manages and maintains 380 public play spaces, along with another 62 supervised early childhood centre-based play spaces.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the playground renewal was an important part of catering for children’s recreational needs.

“We acknowledge the value of providing contemporary playgrounds that are easily accessible to residents within the neighbourhood, giving children fun and challenging spaces in which to play.

“The renewal process is about making certain the equipment meets current Australian standards and is safe for use.”

Cr Eddy Kontelj, chair of the council’s active spaces portfolio, also welcomed the renewal of the playgrounds, and thanked those community members who contributed through the engagement process.

“It was pleasing to see the number of Greater Geelong residents who were ready to contribute to the conversation around playground renewal,” Cr Kontelj said.

“The city is grateful to the many people who engaged in the consultation process, the uptake speaks to the value our community places on creating appropriate play spaces and opportunities for the growing number of children in our community.”