Kids' ideas bring Winchelsea playground to life

A WINCHELSEA playground inspired by the designs of local primary school children was officially opened earlier this month, after construction on the project wrapped up earlier this year.

The Surf Coast Shire invited Grade 5 and 6 students at Winchelsea Primary School to share their ideas to create “the ultimate playground” during the project’s planning stages, with their Texta-drawn concepts informing the play equipment that has been built at the site.

The new Adventure Play Space incorporates the Barwon River recreation precinct’s existing playground, and now includes treehouse pods, a flying fox, slope slide and rock-climbing wall.

Surf Coast Shire councillors Tony Phelps and Adrian Schonfelder, mayor Mike Bodsworth, member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney and Cr Joel Grist at the formal opening of the Winchelsea Adventure Play Space on Friday. Photo: SURF COAST SHIRE

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney joined Surf Coast mayor Mike Bodsworth and councillors recently to celebrate the formal opening of the playground and its adjoining shelter, which has been inspired by the site’s former mud hut.

“I’m sure many of our local young families might have already given the Adventure Play Space a run and found it to be a fabulous addition to our riverside area,” Cr Tony Phelps said.

“Adjoining the existing playground, new pool and new gathering shelter with barbecue, it helps create a welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the environs and some healthy activity.”

The Adventure Play Space has all abilities access, and the flying fox provides wheelchair access and an accessible seat.

The Surf Coast Shire invited Grade 5 and 6 students at Winchelsea Primary School to share their ideas to create “the ultimate playground” during the project’s planning stages, with their Texta-drawn concepts informing the play equipment that has been built at the site. Photo: SUPPLIED

Cr Phelps extended his thanks and congratulations to the primary school students who provided the inspiration for the play space’s design.

“They have helped create a really special place for play, fun and letting imaginations run,” he said.

“And thanks to community members who were involved in guiding the design of the gathering space shelter and working on the cob wall to tie the design back to the former mud hut.”

The play space was jointly funded by the shire, which contributed $750,000 to the project, and the Victorian government, which contributed $250,000 through Sport and Recreation Victoria.